Brandon Johnson

Brandon Edward Johnson (born July 26, 1998) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and UCF Knights and was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Early life Johnson attended and played high school football at American Heritage School.

College career

Tennessee Johnson started his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee. He played there from 2016–2020 under head coaches Butch Jones and Jeremy Pruitt. He totaled 79 receptions for 969 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown to go along with a punt return touchdown in his time as a Volunteer.

UCF Johnson transferred to UCF for the 2021 season. He totaled 38 receptions for 565 receiving yards and a team-leading 11 receiving touchdowns.

Statistics Year Team GP Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD 2016 Tennessee 9 7 93 13.3 0 2017 Tennessee 12 37 482 13.0 1 2018 Tennessee 12 14 132 9.4 0 2019 Tennessee 4 2 31 15.5 0 2020 Tennessee 9 19 231 12.2 0 2021 UCF 13 38 565 14.9 11Career 59 117 1,534 13.1 12

Professional career

Denver Broncos (first stint)

On April 30, 2022, the Denver Broncos signed Johnson as an undrafted free agent. On August 30, Johnson was waived with an injury settlement after suffering an ankle sprain. On October 18, Johnson re–signed with the Broncos, and joined the team's practice squad. On November 19, Johnson was elevated to the active roster. On November 20, Johnson made his NFL debut against the Las Vegas Raiders totalling one reception for two yards in the 22–16 loss. On November 21, Johnson was reverted back to the practice squad. On November 26, Johnson was elevated to the active roster. In Week 12, against the Carolina Panthers, he scored his first NFL touchdown on a one-yard reception in the 23–10 loss. In his rookie season, Johnson appeared in seven games and recorded six receptions for 42 receiving yards and one touchdown.

In Week 2 of the 2023 season against the Washington Commanders, with the Broncos trailing 35–27 with 3 seconds remaining in regulation, Johnson hauled in a 50-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass from Russell Wilson as time expired. However, Denver went on to lose the game 35–33 after failing to convert on the ensuing two-point conversion. This was controversial due to an uncalled pass interference penalty. He was placed on injured reserve on October 28, 2023, after suffering a hamstring injury in practice. He was activated on December 2. He finished the 2023 season with 19 receptions for 284 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in 13 games and two starts.

On August 27, 2024, Johnson was waived by the Broncos.

Pittsburgh Steelers (first stint) On August 28, 2024, Johnson was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad. In the 2024 season, he appeared in three games. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 14, 2025.

On August 26, 2025, Johnson was waived by the Steelers with an injury designation as part of final roster cuts. He was released from injured reserve on August 29.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers On October 22, 2025, Johnson was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad. He was released by the Buccaneers on December 15.

Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint) On December 24, 2025, Johnson was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad.

Denver Broncos (second stint) On January 20, 2026, Johnson signed with the Denver Broncos' practice squad following injuries to Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant.

Pittsburgh Steelers (third stint) On April 28, 2026, Johnson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract. On June 9, he was released by the Steelers.

Las Vegas Raiders On June 10, 2026, Johnson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Personal life His father, Charles Johnson, played in Major League Baseball.

Johnson's cousin is former Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots wide receiver Chad Johnson. He is also cousins with former professional baseball players Fred and Terry McGriff.