Quindell Johnson Bio
Quindell Johnson (born November 5, 1999) is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Louisville Kings of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Memphis Tigers and has been a member of multiple NFL franchises, including the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has built a reputation as a versatile defensive back with significant collegiate success.
Early Life and Background
Quindell Johnson was born on November 5, 1999, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the Crescent City alongside his twin brother, Kendell Johnson. The brothers shared a unique athletic journey, playing on the same youth sports teams, attending the same schools, and eventually continuing their football careers together at the collegiate level. Growing up in New Orleans provided Johnson with access to the city’s rich sports culture and competitive youth football programs.
Johnson attended Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, where he developed into a highly regarded defensive prospect. During his high school career, he played a key role in leading Edna Karr to back-to-back state championships in 2016 and 2017. Those consecutive state titles established the program as a powerhouse in Louisiana high school football and showcased Johnson’s ability to perform on big stages. His success at Edna Karr caught the attention of college programs across the country.
Path to Professional Football
Following his standout high school career, Quindell Johnson committed to play college football for the Memphis Tigers. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2018, using that season to adjust to the college-level speed and complexity of playbooks. The redshirt year allowed him to develop physically and mentally while learning the defensive schemes under the Memphis coaching staff. This patient approach to his collegiate development would pay significant dividends in subsequent seasons.
Johnson’s dedication during his redshirt season translated into immediate impact once he took the field regularly. In 2019, his first full season of action, he recorded 58 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. Those numbers demonstrated his ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball, qualities that would define his collegiate career. The experience gained in 2019 prepared him for the breakout seasons that followed.
Quindell Johnson Career
Memphis Tigers College Career (2018–2022)
Quindell Johnson established himself as one of the most consistent and productive safeties in the American Athletic Conference during his time at Memphis. In 2020, he elevated his play significantly, accumulating 81 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and leading the AAC with 60 solo stops. His performance earned him second-team all-conference honors that season. Johnson showed a knack for being around the ball and making tackles in space, traits that NFL scouts would heavily evaluate.
The 2021 season saw Johnson start all 12 games and post his highest single-season tackle total with 104. He ranked 12th nationally with 66 solo stops and earned second-team All-AAC recognition for the second consecutive year. His consistency week in and week out demonstrated his reliability and durability as a defensive player. Opposing offenses began to scheme around his presence in the secondary.
Johnson returned for a final collegiate season in 2022 and delivered his best campaign. He led the conference with four interceptions, ranking 22nd nationally in that category. He also contributed 77 tackles, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles, earning first-team All-AAC honors. Over his entire Memphis career, Johnson finished with 320 tackles, 24 pass breakups, and 10 interceptions, leaving as one of the most decorated safeties in program history.
Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears (2023)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Quindell Johnson signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent. Being undrafted did not diminish his determination to prove himself at the professional level. The Rams saw potential in his collegiate production and wanted to develop him within their defensive system. Johnson reported to training camp ready to compete for a roster spot.
Johnson’s tenure with the Rams proved brief during initial roster cuts. He was waived on August 29, 2023, as teams finalized their 53-man rosters. However, his performance caught the attention of another franchise. The Chicago Bears claimed Johnson off waivers on August 30, 2023, providing him with another opportunity to continue his NFL journey. Being claimed by the Bears meant he would remain on an active roster entering the 2023 season.
During the 2023 season with the Bears, Johnson gained valuable NFL experience while continuing to develop his craft. The Bears’ defensive scheme allowed him to apply the instincts and skills he refined at Memphis. Though his statistical output remained limited in his rookie season, the experience of practicing against NFL talent daily accelerated his professional development.
Chicago Bears and Rams Second Stint (2024)
The 2024 season began with Johnson still on the Chicago Bears roster. However, roster decisions led to Johnson being waived by the Bears on August 26, 2024. Rather than losing him entirely, the team re-signed him to the practice squad, providing him with an opportunity to remain in the organization. This brief stint on the practice squad demonstrated the transitional nature of NFL careers for young players fighting for roster spots.
Johnson’s persistence paid off when he signed with the Los Angeles Rams practice squad on September 18, 2024. Returning to the team that originally signed him as an undrafted free agent, Johnson aimed to carve out a more permanent role within the organization. He spent the remainder of the 2024 season with the Rams before being released on January 7, 2025. Throughout his time in the Rams organization, Johnson focused on demonstrating the instincts and ball skills that characterized his Memphis career.
San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers (2025)
The 2025 season brought new opportunities for Quindell Johnson. On January 21, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with the San Francisco 49ers. This signing represented a fresh start with a franchise known for its strong defensive identity. Johnson joined a competitive safety room and prepared to compete for playing time during the offseason program and training camp.
Despite the opportunity with the 49ers, Johnson was waived by the team on May 13, 2025. The move underscored the challenges young defensive backs face in maintaining roster spots across the NFL. Johnson did not remain unsigned for long. On June 4, 2025, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining another organization with a storied defensive tradition. Johnson continued his NFL journey with the Steelers, working to establish himself as a reliable safety at the professional level.
Johnson’s time with the Steelers concluded on August 22, 2025, when he was released. The 2025 season represented a year of transitions, with Johnson moving between three NFL franchises. Rather than remaining out of football, he pursued an opportunity in the emerging United Football League.
Louisville Kings and UFL (2026)
On January 14, 2026, Quindell Johnson was selected by the Louisville Kings of the United Football League. The selection marked a new chapter in his professional career, providing him with an opportunity to play consistent football in a growing spring league. The UFL has attracted numerous players with NFL experience, creating competitive rosters featuring athletes seeking to advance their careers.
Johnson’s career with the Kings included roster fluctuations typical of professional football. He was released on February 9, 2026, but re-signed with the team on April 7, 2026. This pattern of being released and re-signed demonstrated his value to the organization and his determination to contribute. Johnson aimed to showcase the skills that made him a productive college player while adapting to the unique style of play in the UFL.
Playing Style and Strengths
Quindell Johnson has built his reputation as a fundamentally sound safety with excellent instincts and playmaking ability. His collegiate career demonstrated his capacity to read quarterbacks and anticipate plays, resulting in 10 interceptions over five seasons at Memphis. Johnson excels in zone coverage, where his diagnostic skills and spatial awareness allow him to patrol middle sections of the field effectively. His tackling ability in open space adds value to defenses seeking physical presences in the secondary.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Johnson’s most significant career milestone came during his senior season at Memphis in 2022, when he led the American Athletic Conference with four interceptions. That performance earned him first-team All-AAC honors and validated his development from a redshirt freshman to one of the conference’s top defensive backs. He also earned second-team All-AAC recognition in both 2020 and 2021, demonstrating sustained excellence throughout his collegiate career. Johnson’s 320 career tackles and 10 interceptions rank among the best totals in Memphis football history.
Quindell Johnson Career Statistics
Quindell Johnson accumulated impressive statistics during his five-year collegiate career at Memphis, establishing himself as one of the program’s most productive safeties. His consistency across multiple seasons, particularly his ability to stay healthy and start games, distinguished him from many contemporaries at the position. Johnson’s tackle totals increased each season, reflecting his growing comfort and leadership within the defensive scheme.
Memphis Tigers Highlights
Over his Memphis career from 2018 to 2022, Johnson recorded 320 total tackles, 24 pass breakups, and 10 interceptions. His best statistical season came in 2022 when he led the AAC in interceptions with four and earned first-team all-conference honors. In 2021, he posted 104 tackles and earned second-team recognition while ranking 12th nationally with 66 solo stops. His 2020 campaign featured a conference-leading 60 solo tackles and second-team honors, establishing him as an impact player early in his career.
Professional Career Statistics
Through the 2024 NFL season, Johnson appeared in games for the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears. His professional statistics include three tackles, one pass deflection, and one interception. While his NFL sample size remains limited, the experience of practicing and playing against elite competition continues to shape his development. Johnson aims to expand these numbers as his career progresses.
| Competition | Tackles | Pass Breakups | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis Tigers (2018–2022) | 320 | 24 | 10 |
| NFL (2023–2024) | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Quindell Johnson Family
Family Background and Twin Brother
Quindell Johnson shares a unique family connection with his twin brother, Kendell Johnson. The two brothers grew up together in New Orleans, Louisiana, and have maintained parallel athletic careers throughout their lives. From youth sports leagues to high school to college, Quindell and Kendell Johnson have been teammates and competitors, pushing each other to excel at every level. This sibling relationship has provided both brothers with lifelong support systems and healthy competitive dynamics that have contributed to their football success.
Personal Life
Despite their shared background and athletic journeys, Quindell Johnson maintains a relatively private personal life. Information about romantic relationships or children has not been publicly disclosed. Johnson focuses primarily on his football career while maintaining connections to his New Orleans roots. His social media presence, including his Instagram handle, provides fans with occasional glimpses into his life beyond football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of significant change for Quindell Johnson as he navigated the roster carousel of NFL free agency. After beginning the year with the San Francisco 49ers on a reserve/future contract, Johnson was waived in May and quickly signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in June. This rapid succession of team changes required Johnson to quickly learn new defensive systems and establish relationships with new coaches and teammates. The Steelers’ veteran-led secondary provided an environment where Johnson could continue developing his professional skills.
Johnson’s tenure with Pittsburgh ended in late August when he was released before final roster cuts. While the release was disappointing, it opened the door for Johnson to pursue opportunities in the United Football League. The spring league has become an attractive option for players seeking to showcase their abilities in game situations while awaiting NFL chances. Johnson’s selection by Louisville demonstrated that professional scouts continue to see potential in his skill set.
Looking ahead, Johnson aims to use his time with the Louisville Kings to display the playmaking ability that made him a first-team All-AAC selection at Memphis. The UFL season provides him with a platform to accumulate game film against quality competition while refining his technique. Should opportunities arise in the NFL, Johnson remains prepared to answer the call. His journey through multiple franchises has built resilience and a thorough understanding of what professional football demands at the highest level.