Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson (born July 5, 1996) is an American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL).[1] He played college football at the University of Toledo, where he recorded 137 receptions for 2,276 yards and 24 touchdowns over three seasons, earning first-team All-Mid-American Conference honors as a junior.[2] Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (66th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, Johnson has appeared in 89 games across his career, amassing 424 receptions for 4,738 yards and 28 touchdowns, along with 21 rushes for 140 yards.[3][1] Johnson's breakout came during his third NFL season in 2021, when he led the league with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, earning his lone Pro Bowl selection as an alternate.[4] His tenure with the Steelers spanned five seasons (2019–2023), during which he established himself as a dynamic slot receiver known for his route-running precision and yards-after-catch ability, though he also drew attention for occasional on-field antics, including one-game suspensions in 2023 with the Steelers and 2024 with the Ravens for conduct detrimental to the team.[5][6] Traded to the Carolina Panthers on March 12, 2024, in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a seventh-round draft pick, Johnson recorded 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games before being dealt again on October 29, 2024, to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick swap.[7][8][9] Following a brief and unproductive first stint with the Ravens—where he appeared in four games with one reception for six yards—Johnson was waived in December 2024 and subsequently joined the Houston Texans' practice squad, appearing in one game with two receptions for 12 yards. He was claimed off waivers by the Ravens again on January 15, 2025, but released shortly after without playing.[11] He signed a one-year, $1.17 million contract with the Cleveland Browns as an unrestricted free agent on May 5, 2025, aiming to revitalize his career in the AFC North, but was released on August 26, 2025, during the team's final roster cuts after failing to secure a prominent role in training camp.[12][13] As of November 2025, Johnson remains an unsigned free agent, seeking opportunities to return to the active roster amid a league-wide need for veteran wide receiver depth.[14]Early life
Birth and family background
Diontae Johnson was born on July 5, 1996, in Ruskin, Florida.[1] His parents were Leo Johnson, his father, and Felicia Boyer, his mother.[15] Johnson also has a younger sister named Kianna.[15] Johnson's mother, Felicia Boyer, died of breast cancer at the age of 24, when he was five years old.[16] The loss profoundly impacted the family, leaving Johnson and his three-year-old sister in emotional distress, with their father, Leo, stepping in to raise them single-handedly while working full-time and ensuring they attended practices and completed homework.[16] Johnson has described the pain of growing up without clear memories of his mother as difficult to comprehend, often feeling her absence acutely when observing other families.[16] This early tragedy fueled Johnson's resilience and motivation in sports, as he drew inspiration from his mother's strength in battling illness and his father's sacrifices, using football as a way to honor them and channel his determination.[16] He has credited his father for providing unwavering support that propelled his athletic pursuits, stating, "I wouldn’t be in the position I am in if it wasn’t for him."[16]High school career
Johnson attended Earl J. Lennard High School in Ruskin, Florida, from 2011 to 2014, where he emerged as a multi-faceted athlete on the football team.[17] He primarily played wide receiver and cornerback, while also contributing as a quarterback, defensive back, and return specialist on kickoffs and punts.[17][18] During his early years, the Longhorns struggled, winning just one game over two seasons, but Johnson helped lead the team to its best record of 8-3 as a senior in 2014.[18] In his senior season, Johnson showcased his receiving prowess with 35 catches for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 29.1 yards per reception.[19] He also excelled on special teams, accumulating 369 kickoff return yards and 171 punt return yards, contributing to a total of 1,628 all-purpose yards.[19] His versatility earned him recognition as a county and state all-star, with his high school coach, Keith Chattin, later describing him as one of the program's most talented and adaptable players ever.[18][20] Beyond football, Johnson participated in varsity basketball as a shooting guard, averaging 8.8 points per game during his high school career.[21] With the support of his best friend's family—whom he lived with after his own family relocated to Tampa in his sophomore year—he remained committed to developing his skills at Lennard.[18] Despite being unranked by major recruiting services and receiving limited Division I attention, Johnson garnered a late offer from the University of Toledo and committed to the program in early 2015.[18][22]College career
University of Toledo
Johnson arrived at the University of Toledo after a standout high school career at Lennard High School in Ruskin, Florida, where he was rated as a two-star recruit and chose the Rockets over offers from several other programs.[23] As a true freshman in 2015, Johnson appeared in 11 games, primarily as a reserve wide receiver and kick returner, recording 14 receptions for 237 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 22.8 yards per kickoff return.[2] He redshirted the 2016 season after suffering a foot injury early in the year, preserving his eligibility and using the time to refine his skills and add muscle to his frame under strength coach guidance.[24] Johnson emerged as a star in 2017 during his redshirt sophomore campaign, starting all 14 games and leading the Mid-American Conference (MAC) with 74 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-MAC honors as a wide receiver along with First-Team recognition as a punt returner and Second-Team as a kickoff returner.[2][25] His production was instrumental in Toledo's MAC East Division title and appearance in the MAC Championship Game, where the Rockets defeated Akron 45-28 to claim the conference title.[26] In his junior year of 2018, Johnson started 13 games, hauling in 49 receptions for 761 yards and eight touchdowns while excelling on special teams with a punt return touchdown and a kickoff return score, which helped him secure MAC Special Teams Player of the Year honors, First-Team All-MAC as a wide receiver and punt returner, and Second-Team as a kickoff returner.[2] Throughout his college tenure, Johnson established himself as the Rockets' primary slot receiver, renowned for his precise route running that created separation against defenders and contributed to an uptempo offensive scheme.[27] Heading into the NFL Draft, he impressed at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.53-second 40-yard dash time, positioning him as a projected mid-round selection valued for his playmaking versatility.[28]College statistics
Johnson's receiving statistics during his three playing seasons at the University of Toledo are presented below.[2]| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards per Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 11 | 14 | 237 | 3 | 16.9 |
| 2017 | 14 | 74 | 1,278 | 13 | 17.3 |
| 2018 | 13 | 49 | 761 | 8 | 15.5 |
| Total | 38 | 137 | 2,276 | 24 | 16.6 |
Professional career
2019 NFL draft
Johnson declared for the 2019 NFL Draft following his junior season at the University of Toledo, during which he recorded 76 receptions for 1,091 yards and nine touchdowns.[31] He participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he measured 5 feet 10 inches tall and 183 pounds, and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds.[28] Johnson also attended Toledo's Pro Day on March 19, 2019, where he showcased his route-running skills and caught passes from former Rockets quarterbacks to impress NFL scouts.[32] The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Johnson in the third round, 66th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 26. This selection utilized a third-round pick acquired from the Oakland Raiders in the March 2019 trade that sent wide receiver Antonio Brown to Oakland, marking a key step in the Steelers' rebuild of their receiving group following Brown's departure.[33] Johnson signed his rookie contract with the Steelers on May 8, a four-year deal worth $4,280,962 that included a $1,133,428 signing bonus.[34] Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner expressed enthusiasm for Johnson's addition, praising his explosive speed in separating from defenders and his versatility to operate effectively from the slot position.[35]Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–2023)
Johnson was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft and quickly emerged as a versatile contributor in his rookie season. He recorded 59 receptions for 680 yards and five touchdowns as a wide receiver, while also excelling as a punt returner with 20 returns for 248 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown return against the Arizona Cardinals on December 8, 2019.[1][36] His performance on special teams earned him Second-Team All-Pro honors as a punt returner, marking a strong debut in a gadget role that complemented his receiving duties.[1] In 2020, Johnson built on his rookie success, posting career highs with 88 receptions for 923 yards and seven touchdowns over 15 games, starting 13. He became a key target in the Steelers' offense, helping the team reach the playoffs despite quarterback instability following Ben Roethlisberger's injury. The following year, 2021, marked Johnson's breakout as a primary receiver; he led the team in targets with 169 and set a franchise single-season record with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.[1][36] This performance solidified his evolution from a return specialist and slot option to the Steelers' top wideout alongside JuJu Smith-Schuster.[5] Johnson's 2022 season saw 86 receptions for 882 yards but no touchdowns across all 17 games, all starts, as he navigated minor injuries including a hip issue in Week 14 that briefly limited his practice participation. These ailments, combined with offensive inconsistencies, impacted his deep-threat ability and overall production. By 2023, Johnson's tenure faced challenges; he appeared in 13 games with 51 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns after returning from a four-game absence due to a hamstring injury. He was benched during a Week 12 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals for lack of effort on a key play, later apologizing to teammates, and drew a $25,000 fine from the NFL for public criticism of officiating following a Week 8 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars.[1][37][38] Over his five seasons with the Steelers, Johnson amassed 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns in 77 games, establishing himself as the go-to slot receiver in an offense that transitioned from Smith-Schuster to George Pickens as the primary outside threat. His consistent target volume—leading the team each year from 2019 to 2023—highlighted his reliability despite evolving roles and injuries. On March 12, 2024, the Steelers traded Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a swap of sixth- and seventh-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.[1][39]Carolina Panthers (2024)
On March 12, 2024, the Carolina Panthers acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a swap of sixth-round draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.[39] The trade aimed to bolster the Panthers' receiving corps and provide support for second-year quarterback Bryce Young.[40] Johnson entered the final year of a two-year, $36.71 million contract extension originally signed with the Steelers in 2022.[13] During the 2024 season, Johnson appeared in the Panthers' first seven games, starting all of them and recording 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns on 58 targets, which averaged 8.3 targets per game.[9] His standout performances included eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, and seven catches for 83 yards and another score versus the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.[9] Johnson's tenure was marked by challenges, including inconsistent quarterback play from Young, who struggled with a completion percentage under 60% in the early games and was benched after Week 5 in favor of Andy Dalton. The Panthers started 1-5, prompting visible frustration from Johnson with the offense's execution. Following a 40-7 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 7, he remarked, "Frustrated, but I can't play every position on the field and make every play," highlighting broader team struggles.[41] On October 29, 2024, amid ongoing trade discussions and Johnson's desire for a change of scenery, the Panthers traded him and a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.[7][42]Baltimore Ravens (first stint, 2024)
On October 29, 2024, the Baltimore Ravens acquired Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers in a trade, with Baltimore sending a 2025 fifth-round draft pick in exchange for Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick from Carolina.[8] Johnson was immediately signed to the Ravens' active roster and debuted in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. In his first four games with the Ravens (Weeks 9 through 12), Johnson recorded 1 reception on 5 targets for 6 yards, with no touchdowns.[1] His production was limited due to a depth role behind starting wide receivers Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor, who commanded the majority of offensive opportunities in Baltimore's pass-heavy scheme.[43] Johnson primarily served as a rotational depth receiver and special teams contributor, appearing in 39 offensive snaps across those contests—equating to roughly 16% of the team's total offensive plays—and logging 1 special teams snap.[1] This usage reflected his adjustment to the Ravens' system under quarterback Lamar Jackson, where he focused on route-running precision and blocking support rather than primary target duties.[44] Johnson's initial tenure with Baltimore ended on December 20, 2024, when the Ravens waived him following a period of limited involvement and a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team after refusing to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.[45]Houston Texans (2024)
On December 23, 2024, the Houston Texans claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens to address injuries in their receiving corps, particularly after season-ending knee injuries to Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.[46] Johnson was brought in as a depth option behind primary targets Nico Collins and John Metchie III, providing veteran experience amid the team's push for the playoffs.[47] Johnson remained inactive for Week 17 against the Ravens but appeared in the Texans' regular-season finale in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans on January 5, 2025. In that game, he recorded 2 receptions for 12 yards on 4 targets, marking his only statistical contribution during the regular season stint. He also appeared in the Texans' Wild Card playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, recording 1 reception for 12 yards.[48] Despite the addition, Johnson's limited role reflected the Texans' established rotation and his recent team transitions, which had disrupted his rhythm. The team waived him on January 14, 2025, shortly after their Wild Card playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his time in Houston after less than a month on the roster.[49]Baltimore Ravens (second stint, 2024)
On January 15, 2025, the Baltimore Ravens claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers from the Houston Texans, marking his return to the team for a second time.[11] This procedural transaction was intended to help the Ravens qualify for a compensatory draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, rather than for immediate on-field contribution.[50] Johnson, who had been waived by the Texans the previous day after appearing in just two games without recording a statistic in the regular season, was ineligible to play in the postseason due to the NFL's waiver claim deadline having passed following the regular season finale on January 5.[51] During this brief second stint, Johnson did not appear in any games for the Ravens, who advanced through the playoffs after a 12-5 regular season but ultimately fell to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. Reunited with quarterback Lamar Jackson, whom he had briefly played alongside earlier in the year, Johnson received no offensive snaps and was primarily kept on the roster in a non-active capacity.[52] Johnson's contract with the Ravens expired at the end of the league year on March 12, 2025, making him an unrestricted free agent; the team did not retain him, concluding his second tenure in Baltimore without any on-field impact.[53]Cleveland Browns (2025)
On April 28, 2025, Diontae Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns worth $1.17 million, the veteran minimum with no guaranteed money, marking his entry into the team as a free agent following his prior release from the Baltimore Ravens.[4][54] During the 2025 preseason, Johnson's participation was limited amid stiff competition for wide receiver depth, as he appeared in two games and recorded 2 receptions on 6 targets for 19 yards.[55][56] Johnson was released by the Browns on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster reductions to reach the 53-player limit, positioning him as a depth piece behind established starters Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy.[4][57] Following his release, Johnson re-entered free agency, with no further team signings reported as of November 2025.[14]Personal life
Family
Johnson shares a close bond with his father, Leo Johnson, and younger sister, Kianna, who have remained key figures in his life following the loss of his mother, Felicia Boyer, to breast cancer when he was five years old.[16] Leo raised Diontae and Kianna as a single parent, emphasizing discipline and perseverance that shaped Johnson's approach to his NFL career.[58] Johnson has often highlighted his father's influence on his work ethic, recalling how Leo's daily routine of rising early for work motivated him during challenging times. In a 2019 interview, he stated, "He motivated me every day, just by how he got up to go to work. This is about him. He always knew I had it in me. He just stayed on me whenever I was slacking off."[59] This paternal guidance has been a cornerstone of Johnson's resilience amid his transitions between teams, from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, a brief second stint with the Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns.Community involvement
Diontae Johnson has been actively involved in breast cancer awareness efforts, motivated by the loss of his mother to the disease when he was five years old.[16] He has participated in the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative, which promotes early detection and supports cancer research, including during Steelers home games dedicated to the cause.[16] As part of the league's My Cause, My Cleats campaign, Johnson has worn custom footwear to highlight breast cancer organizations. In 2022, he supported UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, which provides comprehensive care and research for women's cancers, using the platform to raise funds and awareness for affected families.[60] During the 2023 season with the Steelers, his cleats again featured messaging for breast cancer support, aligning with the team's community outreach.[61] In 2024, while with the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson continued this advocacy by selecting the National Breast Cancer Foundation for My Cause, My Cleats, an organization focused on education, early detection, and patient navigation services.[62] These efforts reflect his ongoing commitment to philanthropy in this area.NFL career statistics
Regular season
Johnson's National Football League (NFL) regular season career, spanning from 2019 to 2024, showcases his role primarily as a wide receiver, with contributions in rushing and limited return duties.[1] Over 89 games played, he accumulated 424 receptions for 4,738 yards and 28 touchdowns on 706 targets, averaging 11.2 yards per reception.[1] He also recorded 21 rushing attempts for 140 yards and no rushing touchdowns, alongside 29 punt returns for 306 yards and 1 touchdown, plus 1 kick return for 24 yards.[1] Johnson did not appear in any regular season games in 2025 following his release from the Cleveland Browns.[1]Career Regular Season Totals
| Category | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Attempts (Rushing/Returns) | Yards (Rushing/Returns) | Yards per Reception/Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving | 424 | 4,738 | 28 | 706 targets | - | 11.2 |
| Rushing | - | - | 0 | 21 | 140 | 6.7 |
| Punt Returns | - | - | 1 | 29 | 306 | 10.6 |
| Kick Returns | - | - | 0 | 1 | 24 | 24.0 |
Year-by-Year Regular Season Statistics
Johnson's production peaked in 2021 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he led the team in receiving yards, before stints with multiple teams in 2024.[1]| Year | Team(s) | Games | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Rec | Receiving TDs | Rushing Att | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Punt Ret (Yards/TD) | Kick Ret (Yards/TD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 16 | 92 | 59 | 680 | 11.5 | 5 | 4 | 41 | 0 | 20 (248/1) | 0 (0/0) |
| 2020 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 15 | 144 | 88 | 923 | 10.5 | 7 | 3 | 15 | 0 | 8 (58/0) | 1 (24/0) |
| 2021 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 16 | 169 | 107 | 1,161 | 10.9 | 8 | 5 | 53 | 0 | 0 (0/0) | 0 (0/0) |
| 2022 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 17 | 147 | 86 | 882 | 10.3 | 0 | 7 | 25 | 0 | 0 (0/0) | 0 (0/0) |
| 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 13 | 87 | 51 | 717 | 14.1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 (0/0) | 0 (0/0) |
| 2024 | CAR/BAL/HOU | 12 | 67 | 33 | 375 | 11.4 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 1 (0/0) | 0 (0/0) |
| 2025 | None | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Postseason
Diontae Johnson made four postseason appearances, three with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one with the Houston Texans, serving primarily as a slot receiver in high-pressure games to create mismatches on short and intermediate routes. In the 2020 playoffs (January 2021), he played in one game—the Wild Card round loss to the Cleveland Browns (48-37)—where he recorded 11 receptions for 117 yards and no touchdowns.[63] The Steelers' offense struggled in this matchup, with Johnson's contributions focused on sustaining drives amid defensive pressure from the Browns. In the 2021 playoffs (January 2022), Johnson appeared in one game, the Wild Card loss to the Kansas City Chiefs (21-42), hauling in 5 receptions for 34 yards and one touchdown.[64] His role emphasized quick releases and yards after catch, though the Steelers were outmatched by the Chiefs' defense and special teams. During the 2023 playoffs (January 2024), Johnson played in the Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills (17-31), recording 4 receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown.[65] In the 2024 playoffs (January 2025) with the Houston Texans, he appeared in one game, the Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Chargers (32-12), with 1 reception for 12 yards and no touchdowns.[66] Johnson's postseason statistics reflect his consistent target share as a reliable option in Pittsburgh's passing attack during these opportunities, with additional play in Houston.| Year | Team | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | PIT | 1 | 11 | 117 | 0 |
| 2021 | PIT | 1 | 5 | 34 | 1 |
| 2023 | PIT | 1 | 4 | 48 | 1 |
| 2024 | HOU | 1 | 1 | 12 | 0 |
| Career | ** ** | 4 | 21 | 211 | 2 |