Paris Johnson Jr. (born July 3, 2001) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Cardinals sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Johnson Jr. is the son of former NFL player and coach Paris Johnson and has established himself as one of the premier young offensive linemen in professional football.
Paris Johnson Jr. Bio
Paris Johnson Jr. is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Cardinals sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Johnson Jr. is the son of football player and coach Paris Johnson and has quickly become a cornerstone of Arizona’s offensive line.
Early Life and Background
Johnson was born on July 3, 2001, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up immersed in football, with his father Paris Johnson having played safety in the NFL after being selected by the Cardinals in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. This family connection to football provided Johnson with early exposure and mentorship that shaped his development as a player.
Johnson attended St. Xavier High School before transferring to Princeton High School as a senior in 2019. At Princeton, he established himself as an elite offensive tackle prospect, winning the prestigious Anthony Muñoz Award. His performance throughout high school earned him recognition as the top-ranked offensive tackle in the class of 2020, setting the stage for his collegiate career at Ohio State University.
Path to American Football
As the top-ranked offensive tackle in his high school class, Johnson drew significant attention from major college programs. He chose to continue his football career at Ohio State University, one of the premier programs for developing NFL offensive linemen. His decision reflected both the program’s track record and his desire to compete at the highest collegiate level.
Johnson enrolled at Ohio State in 2020 and immediately began his development under the program’s elite coaching staff. He appeared in five games as a true freshman, demonstrating versatility by playing at offensive guard during the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship due to injuries on the roster. This adaptability would become a hallmark of his game.
Paris Johnson Jr. Career
Ohio State Buckeyes (2020–2022)
Johnson’s sophomore season in 2021 marked a significant step forward in his development. He started every game at right guard, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors and gaining valuable experience against some of college football’s top defensive linemen. His consistent performance established him as a building block for Ohio State’s offensive line.
As a junior in 2022, Johnson made the transition to left tackle, the most prestigious position on the offensive line. This move showcased his versatility and athleticism. His performance at the critical blind-side tackle position earned him unanimous recognition as a consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors. Johnson graduated from Ohio State in December 2022, having majored in journalism and written for the student newspaper The Lantern.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–Present)
The Arizona Cardinals selected Johnson Jr. with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, making him the first offensive lineman selected in that draft class. To secure Johnson, the Cardinals arranged a trade with the Detroit Lions, sending first-round (12th overall), second-round (34th overall), and fifth-round (168th overall) picks in exchange for the Lions’ first-round (6th overall) and third-round (81st overall) selections.
As a rookie in the 2023 season, Johnson started all 17 games at right tackle for the Cardinals. His seamless transition to professional football demonstrated why he was considered one of the top prospects in his draft class. Following the release of longtime starter D.J. Humphries, Johnson was named the Cardinals’ starting left tackle, inheriting the critical responsibility of protecting the quarterback’s blind side.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson entered the 2025 campaign as one of Arizona’s starting offensive linemen and a foundational piece of the team’s long-term plans. On December 27, 2025, he was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the setback, his career trajectory remained promising. On April 16, 2026, the Cardinals exercised the $19 million fifth-year option on Johnson’s rookie contract, demonstrating their commitment to his future with the franchise.
Paris Johnson Jr. Career Wins
Throughout his football career, Johnson has accumulated numerous individual honors and achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His rapid ascent from high school standout to NFL starter reflects consistent excellence across all levels of competition.
College Highlights
At Ohio State, Johnson earned consensus All-American honors in 2022, joining the ranks of the nation’s elite college football players. He was also a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022 and earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2021. These accolades positioned him as one of the most highly regarded offensive line prospects in recent memory.
Other Honors and Recognition
Prior to his collegiate career, Johnson won the Anthony Muñoz Award during his senior year at Princeton High School. The award recognizes outstanding high school linemen and was a precursor to his continued success at the next level.
Paris Johnson Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Johnson comes from a distinguished football family. His father, Paris Johnson Sr., was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft as a safety. Although he spent only one season with the team before being released, the elder Johnson went on to become a coach, passing his knowledge and passion for the game to his son. This familial connection to both the Cardinals organization and professional football provided Paris Johnson Jr. with unique insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Personal Life
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Johnson has demonstrated commitment to service and community. He founded a charitable foundation during high school that was awarded the 2022 Armed Forces Merit Award for raising more than $10,000 to assist military veterans, student-athletes, and homeless individuals. Johnson is also multilingual, speaking Mandarin Chinese fluently and some Portuguese. He began studying Mandarin in late childhood and started learning Portuguese after developing an interest in visiting Brazil.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a pivotal year in Johnson’s young NFL career. Entering his third professional season, he had solidified his role as Arizona’s starting left tackle and emerged as a leader on the offensive line. His progression from right tackle as a rookie to the critical left tackle position reflected both his talent and the organization’s confidence in his abilities.
Johnson’s season was marked by consistent performance and growing chemistry with his fellow linemen. The Cardinals’ offensive scheme relied heavily on his ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes, responsibilities he handled with maturity beyond his years. The team’s investment in their young offensive tackle was evident in their long-term contract decisions and his prominent role within the franchise’s plans.
The injury suffered in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams ended his season prematurely and presented a significant challenge. However, Johnson’s track record of resilience and work ethic suggested a full recovery and return to form. The Cardinals’ decision to exercise his fifth-year option underscored their belief in his long-term value to the organization. As Johnson worked through rehabilitation, he remained focused on returning stronger for the 2026 campaign and continuing his trajectory as one of the NFL’s premier young offensive tackles.