Jackson James Powers-Johnson Bio
Jackson James Powers-Johnson is an American professional football guard for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 23, 2003, in Draper, Utah, he played college football for the Oregon Ducks from 2021 to 2023. Powers-Johnson won the prestigious Rimington Trophy in 2023, awarded annually to the top center in college football. The Las Vegas Raiders selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 44th overall pick. In his rookie season, Powers-Johnson established himself as a starter on the Raiders offensive line, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. His journey from Utah high school football to NFL prominence reflects his development as one of the most accomplished offensive linemen from the 2024 draft class.
Early Life and Background
Powers-Johnson was born on January 23, 2003, in Draper, Utah, a suburb located in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. He attended Corner Canyon High School in his hometown, where he quickly emerged as a versatile lineman playing both offensive and defensive line positions. During his high school career, he recorded 124 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and two interceptions, demonstrating the kind of two-way ability that attracted major college programs. His performance on the field helped establish Corner Canyon as a football powerhouse in Utah’s prep scene. Powers-Johnson’s blend of size, athleticism, and football instincts made him one of the most sought-after offensive line prospects from the Beehive State in his graduating class. His exceptional play earned him invitations to prestigious high school all-star events, including the 2021 Under Armour All-America Game and the 2021 Polynesian Bowl, which showcased the top high school players with Polynesian heritage. These experiences provided early exposure to elite competition and helped prepare him for the next level of his football journey.
Path to the NFL
Following his standout high school career, Powers-Johnson committed to play college football at the University of Oregon. His decision to join the Oregon Ducks program represented a significant step in his development as a collegiate athlete. The transition from Utah high school football to the Pac-12 Conference presented new challenges, but his preparation and natural abilities positioned him well for success at the major college level. At Oregon, Powers-Johnson began his college career with the flexibility to contribute in multiple roles along the line, which would become a defining characteristic of his playing style. The Ducks’ offensive line development program provided the structure and coaching he needed to refine his technique and understanding of the game at the highest collegiate level.
Jackson James Powers-Johnson Career
College Career at Oregon (2021–2023)
Powers-Johnson arrived at the University of Oregon in 2021 as a true freshman and immediately contributed on the offensive line. He appeared in 11 games during his debut season, primarily as a backup, while also showcasing his versatility by shifting to the defensive line for the 2021 Alamo Bowl. This willingness to play multiple positions demonstrated his football intelligence and adaptability, traits that would serve him well throughout his career. The experience of playing in a postseason bowl game provided valuable exposure to high-stakes competition. In 2022, Powers-Johnson returned to focusing exclusively on offense, appearing in 12 games with one start as he continued developing behind experienced linemen. The 2023 season marked his breakthrough as he took over the starting center position and delivered a dominant campaign. Powers-Johnson’s performance earned him the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center, along with unanimous All-American honors and first-team All-Pac-12 recognition. His three-year college career included 23 total game appearances, establishing a foundation that translated directly to professional success.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2024–Present)
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Powers-Johnson in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 44th overall pick, investing a significant draft resource in his development as a professional. He made his NFL debut in Week 3 of the 2024 season against the Carolina Panthers and earned his first career start the following week versus the Cleveland Browns. Powers-Johnson quickly secured the starting center role as a rookie and appeared in 15 games with 14 starts during his debut professional season. His seamless transition from college center to NFL starter earned him recognition on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, validating the Raiders’ confidence in his abilities. Moving into the 2025 season, Powers-Johnson shifted to the right guard position while continuing as a regular starter. He opened the campaign strongly, starting seven of his first eight games before suffering an ankle injury in Week 10 against the Denver Broncos. The injury resulted in his placement on injured reserve on November 11, 2025, ending his season after eight appearances and seven starts. Despite the untimely injury, his early-season performance demonstrated continued growth and adaptability in his new role along the interior offensive line.
Playing Style and Strengths
Powers-Johnson brings a combination of size, footwork, and football intelligence that translates effectively to the interior of the NFL offensive line. His experience playing both center and guard provides the Las Vegas Raiders with valuable positional flexibility along their front five. His college background as a Rimington Trophy winner reflects his ability to diagnose defensive schemes and make quick adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Powers-Johnson’s power and leverage allow him to anchor against bull rushes, while his mobility supports the Raiders’ running and passing schemes. His two-way high school experience demonstrates a physical mentality that serves him well when engaged with defensive linemen at the professional level.
Notable Milestones
Winning the Rimington Trophy in 2023 stands as the pinnacle of Powers-Johnson’s career accomplishments to date, recognizing him as the top center in all of college football. His selection as a unanimous All-American and first-team All-Pac-12 honoree that same season confirmed his status among the nation’s elite offensive linemen. In the NFL, his PFWA All-Rookie Team selection validated his immediate impact as a professional, making him one of the few rookie centers or guards to earn such recognition. Powers-Johnson’s draft position as the 44th overall selection represented solid value for a player who immediately became a starter and cornerstone piece for the Raiders’ offensive line rebuild.
Jackson James Powers-Johnson Career Statistics
Across his first two NFL seasons, Powers-Johnson has established himself as a reliable starter on the Las Vegas Raiders offensive line, appearing in 23 games with 21 starts. His rookie season featured 15 appearances and 14 starts at center, while the 2025 campaign saw him transition to guard before the injury shortened his year. His career trajectory demonstrates consistent availability and performance at the professional level.
NFL Career Summary
Powers-Johnson’s rookie season in 2024 showcased his readiness for NFL competition, with the majority of his appearances coming as starts at the center position. His 14 starts ranked among the highest for rookie offensive linemen that season, indicating the trust the coaching staff placed in his abilities from day one. The PFWA All-Rookie Team recognition highlighted his standing among the league’s top first-year players at any position. Moving to guard in 2025, Powers-Johnson continued his strong play before the ankle injury, demonstrating his ability to maintain effectiveness at a new position on the offensive line.
Notable College Achievements
Prior to his NFL success, Powers-Johnson built an impressive college resume at Oregon that included the 2023 Rimington Trophy as his signature accomplishment. The unanimous All-American selection and first-team All-Pac-12 honors reflected his dominance against some of the top competition in college football. His progression from backup to consensus top center over three seasons showed his dedication to continuous improvement and mastery of the position.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started | Notable Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (Raiders) | 23 | 21 | PFWA All-Rookie Team (2024) |
| College (Oregon) | 23 | 13 | Rimington Trophy, All-American (2023) |
Family
Family Background and Utah Roots
Powers-Johnson hails from Draper, Utah, where his high school career at Corner Canyon established his football credentials. His attendance at the Polynesian Bowl highlights his connections to Pacific Islander heritage, which is well-represented in football talent pipelines from Utah. The support system from his Utah roots has provided continuity throughout his progression from high school standout to NFL professional.
Personal Life
Powers-Johnson maintains a presence on social media platforms where he shares glimpses of his professional career and personal interests. At 23 years old, he represents the younger generation of NFL players continuing to establish themselves in the league. His rapid rise from draft selection to All-Rookie recognition underscores his commitment to maximizing his potential as a professional athlete. As he continues recovering from his 2025 injury, Powers-Johnson focuses on returning to full health and building on his early career success with the Las Vegas Raiders organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season began with high expectations for Powers-Johnson as he transitioned into his second professional year with the Las Vegas Raiders. Shifting from center to right guard represented both a new challenge and an opportunity to expand his versatility within the offensive line unit. His early-season performance validated the coaching staff’s decision, as he started seven of his first eight games while establishing chemistry with his fellow linemen. The Raiders’ offensive game plan relied heavily on his ability to create lanes in the running game and protect the quarterback in passing situations. However, the season took an unfortunate turn when Powers-Johnson suffered an ankle injury during the Week 10 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The injury required placement on injured reserve on November 11, effectively ending his campaign after just eight appearances. Despite the premature conclusion, his early-season contributions demonstrated significant growth from his rookie year. The Raiders’ coaching staff expressed confidence in his long-term development, viewing the injury as a temporary setback rather than a reflection of his overall trajectory. As Powers-Johnson focuses on rehabilitation and recovery, the organization remains committed to his role as a foundational piece of their offensive line for seasons to come.