Jermaine Johnson II Bio
Jermaine Curtis Johnson II (born January 7, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida State Seminoles, where he earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Johnson was selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 26th overall pick. He has earned Pro Bowl recognition and was named a first-team All-American during his collegiate career.
Early Life and Background
Jermaine Curtis Johnson II was born on January 7, 1999, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He grew up in Eden Prairie and attended Eden Prairie High School, where he developed into a notable defensive player. As a senior in high school, Johnson recorded 37 tackles and seven sacks, earning All-Metro honors for his performance.
Despite his success on the field, Johnson faced an academic setback after graduating from high school. He was academically ineligible to play NCAA Division I football following graduation, which led him to pursue other opportunities to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Johnson began his collegiate journey at Independence Community College in Kansas. While at Independence, he was featured in the fourth season of the Netflix documentary series Last Chance U, which followed junior college football programs. Under head coach Jason Brown, Johnson played as a defensive end and showcased his pass-rushing abilities.
As a freshman at Independence, Johnson recorded 58 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles. His performance demonstrated his potential as a disruptive force on the defensive line. Following his freshman season, he earned scholarship offers from major programs and transferred to the University of Georgia to continue his football career at the NCAA Division I level.
Jermaine Johnson II Career
College Career at Georgia (2019–2020)
Johnson joined the Georgia Bulldogs football program seeking to prove himself at the highest level of college football. As a sophomore, he played in every game for Georgia and recorded 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His rotational role on a deep Georgia defensive line provided him valuable experience against elite competition in the SEC.
In his senior season at Georgia, Johnson finished third on the team with four sacks while accumulating 16 total tackles and 11 quarterback hurries. Despite his contributions, he sought a larger role for his final season of NCAA eligibility. Near the end of the 2020 season, Johnson entered the transfer portal and enrolled at Florida State University.
College Career at Florida State (2021)
Johnson made an immediate impact upon joining the Florida State Seminoles. In his debut game, a 41–38 overtime loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, he recorded seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. His performance earned him Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.
Johnson put together a dominant senior season that established him as one of the top defensive players in the country. He finished the season with 70 tackles and led the ACC with 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. His exceptional play earned him ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors, first-team All-ACC recognition, and first-team All-American honors. His 12 sacks represented the most by a Florida State player in a single season in over a decade.
New York Jets Era (2022–Present)
Johnson was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 26th overall pick by the New York Jets. His selection addressed a need for pass-rushing talent on a Jets defense looking to build around young cornerstone players. Johnson transitioned from a defensive end in college to a stand-up linebacker in the Jets’ 3-4 defensive scheme.
In his rookie season, Johnson appeared in 14 games and made an immediate impact. He recorded his first career sack and showcased his disruptive abilities. In Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills, he blocked a punt that resulted in a safety, demonstrating his ability to make game-changing plays on special teams as well. Johnson finished his rookie year with 2.5 sacks and 29 total tackles.
Johnson broke out in his second NFL season in 2023. He started all 17 games and established himself as a consistent presence in the Jets’ defense. In Week 17 of the 2023 season, he returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns, highlighting his athleticism and ball skills. He finished the season with 7.5 sacks, 55 total tackles, one interception, seven passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His strong season earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
On September 16, 2024, Johnson announced that he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the Jets’ Week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans. The injury ended his season and required significant rehabilitation. On April 21, 2025, the Jets picked up the fifth-year option on Johnson’s contract, signaling their commitment to his recovery and future with the organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Johnson is known for his explosive first step and ability to accelerate off the line of scrimmage. His experience playing both as a defensive end and a stand-up linebacker gives him versatility in different defensive alignments. He demonstrates strong hand technique and the ability to shed blocks, allowing him to penetrate pockets and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His motor and pursuit angles make him effective against the run, while his burst enables him to close on plays in the backfield.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s career has featured several memorable moments. His blocked punt for a safety against the Buffalo Bills showcased his ability to impact games in multiple phases. His 37-yard interception return for a touchdown demonstrated unexpected coverage skills for a pass rusher. His Pro Bowl selection in 2023 validated his transition to the NFL and established him among the league’s top linebackers.
Jermaine Johnson II Career Highlights
Johnson has compiled notable statistics across his college and professional career. In his lone season at Florida State, he led the ACC in both tackles for loss and sacks, earning conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. His 12 sacks in 2021 remain among the highest single-season totals in program history. In the NFL, he has accumulated over 100 career tackles and double-digit sacks through his first three seasons, with his 2023 Pro Bowl selection representing his highest professional achievement.
Professional Career Statistics
Through the 2023 NFL season, Johnson has appeared in 31 games with 28 starts. He has recorded 131 total tackles, 13 sacks, one interception, nine passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one defensive touchdown. His versatility to contribute in run defense, pass rush, and coverage has made him a three-down linebacker for the Jets.
College Achievements
Johnson’s college career spanned four programs including his time at Independence Community College. His 70 tackles and 12 sacks at Florida State in 2021 earned him unanimous All-American honors and established him as one of the top defensive players in the country. His journey from junior college to becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick exemplifies his persistence and development as a player.
Jermaine Johnson II Family
Limited verified information is available about Johnson’s family background. He grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and attended Eden Prairie High School. Beyond his high school connection, no verified details about his parents, siblings, or family lineage have been publicly confirmed. His personal life remains largely private as he focuses on his professional football career.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 NFL season marks a significant chapter in Johnson’s career as he returns from a torn Achilles injury suffered in September 2024. Johnson spent the 2024 season on injured reserve, focusing on rehabilitation and recovery to return to full health. The Jets’ decision to pick up his fifth-year option demonstrates their confidence in his long-term value to the organization.
Johnson’s return provides a boost to a Jets defense that relies on his pass-rushing abilities and leadership. Working alongside a new coaching staff, he will look to regain his 2023 Pro Bowl form and help the Jets compete in a challenging AFC conference. His health and production will be key factors in determining the Jets’ defensive ceiling for the upcoming season.
The Jets enter 2025 with renewed optimism surrounding their roster. Johnson anchors a linebacker group that features a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. His ability to stay on the field and perform at a high level will be essential as the Jets seek to build on previous seasons and compete for playoff positioning.