Xavier Johnson Bio
Xavier Johnson is an American professional football wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2018 to 2023 and was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Johnson spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans before joining his hometown Cincinnati Bengals in December 2025.
Early Life and Background
Xavier Johnson was born on May 11, 1999, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati, where he developed into a versatile offensive weapon. During his high school career, Johnson recorded 32 receptions for 766 yards and eight touchdowns while also contributing as a rusher with 623 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, averaging an impressive 17.3 yards per carry.
Johnson was rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school. He received scholarship offers from several programs including Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Iowa State, North Dakota State, and Ohio before ultimately deciding to continue his football career at Ohio State University.
Path to Professional Football
Johnson joined the Ohio State Buckeyes football program in 2018. He was initially recruited as a running back and spent his first few seasons at that position. However, during his junior season, coaches made the decision to transition him to wide receiver, a move that would define his collegiate career and professional future.
The position change proved beneficial for Johnson. He displayed natural hands and route-running ability that translated well to the receiver position. His speed and ball-carrying skills from his running back background gave him an added dimension as a receiver, making him a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
Xavier Johnson Career
College Career at Ohio State (2018–2023)
During the 2022 season, Johnson emerged as a reliable contributor for the Buckeyes offense. He scored three touchdowns that year, including a notable 24-yard touchdown reception in Ohio State’s season-opening victory against Notre Dame. His most memorable college moment came during the 2022 Peach Bowl against Georgia when he caught a go-ahead 37-yard touchdown pass just before halftime, giving Ohio State a 28-24 lead.
Prior to the 2023 season, Johnson was named the Buckeyes’ Block “O” jersey recipient, an honor awarded to players who demonstrate exceptional dedication and leadership. He wore the prestigious No. 0 jersey throughout the 2023 campaign. That season, he caught 13 passes for 178 yards and also contributed on the ground with 28 rushes for 190 yards, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
Buffalo Bills (2024)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. He competed for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason but was released as part of the Bills’ final roster cuts on August 27, 2024.
Houston Texans (2024–2025)
Following his release from Buffalo, Johnson joined the Houston Texans’ practice squad on August 29, 2024. He continued to develop his skills while on the practice squad before signing a reserve/future contract with Houston on January 21, 2025. The injury-plagued receiver was subsequently waived by the Texans with an injury designation on August 19, 2025.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2025–Present)
Johnson returned to his hometown when he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on December 10, 2025. This move brought him back to Ohio, where he began his football journey. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Bengals on January 5, 2026, securing his place on the roster heading into the 2026 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Johnson brings a unique skill set to the wide receiver position, having developed his football instincts as a running back early in his career. His experience carrying the ball translates to exceptional yards-after-catch ability and vision in open space. He possesses reliable hands, competitive toughness, and the versatility to line up in multiple positions within an offense.
Notable Career Moments
Johnson’s go-ahead 37-yard touchdown reception in the 2022 Peach Bowl against Georgia stands as one of his signature collegiate moments. The play demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations against top competition. His journey from undrafted free agent to securing a roster spot with his hometown team represents a significant milestone in his professional career.
Xavier Johnson Career Summary
Johnson’s professional career began with the Buffalo Bills in 2024 before moving to the Houston Texans practice squad later that year. After signing a reserve/future contract and subsequent release from Houston, he joined the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad in December 2025. His path from college athlete to professional demonstrates persistence and development as he continues to carve out his role in the NFL.
College Highlights
At Ohio State, Johnson contributed across multiple seasons while making the transition from running back to wide receiver. His 2022 Peach Bowl performance against Georgia showcased his big-play ability with the game-sealing touchdown reception. The Block “O” jersey honor in 2023 recognized his leadership and commitment to the program.
Xavier Johnson Family
Family Background and Hometown Connection
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Johnson grew up in the same city where he now plays professionally for the Bengals. His roots in the Cincinnati community and football culture have been part of his athletic journey from high school through college and back to the professional ranks in his home state.
Personal Life
Johnson attended Summit Country Day School for high school before joining the Ohio State football program. His decision to return to Cincinnati to play for the Bengals represents a homecoming for the Ohio-born athlete who developed his football skills in the region before eventually reaching the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Johnson continue his professional development after joining the Houston Texans organization. He spent time on the practice squad refining his skills at the wide receiver position. Following his release from Houston in August 2025, Johnson found an opportunity with his hometown Cincinnati Bengals, signing to their practice squad in December 2025.
This late-season addition to the Bengals roster allowed Johnson to return to familiar surroundings while competing for a spot on the active roster. His signing of a reserve/future contract in January 2026 indicated the team’s interest in his potential heading into the following season. As a Cincinnati native who played college football at Ohio State, Johnson’s journey represents a compelling story of persistence through the challenges of the NFL.