Cornelius Johnson

Cornelius Alexius Theodore Johnson (born November 29, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, winning three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles and a national championship in 2023. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2024 NFL draft.

Early life Johnson attended Brunswick School, in Greenwich, Connecticut. As a senior, he was selected as the 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year in Connecticut.

In 2018, he caught 50 passes for 826 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Bruins (8–2) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Mike Silipo Bowl Game. Selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, Johnson ran for a score and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. A two-time All-New England honoree, he concluded his high school football career with 2,167 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns.

Johnson's mother is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School. In December 2018, Johnson announced his commitment to play college football at the University of Michigan.

College career

Johnson enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2019. As a freshman, he caught four passes for 61 yards and his first career touchdown, a 39-yard pass thrown by Shea Patterson against Michigan State on November 16.

As a sophomore, in 2020, he appeared in all six games (three as a starter) in Michigan's COVID-shortened season, catching 16 passes for 254 yards, including 82 yards against Indiana, and 105 yards against Rutgers.

In 2021, as a junior, Johnson led Michigan with 39 receptions for 620 yards and three touchdowns. On September 18, he connected with Cade McNamara for an 87-yard touchdown reception, the third longest catch in Michigan football history. Against Wisconsin on October 2, he had two touchdown receptions.

As a senior, in 2022, Johnson caught 32 passes for 499 yards and 6 touchdowns. On November 26, 2022, against Ohio State, Johnson caught four passes for 160 yards, including receiving touchdowns of 69 and 75 yards, both in the second quarter, helping to lead the Wolverines to a victory over the Buckeyes.

In 2023, Johnson returned for a 5th season and won a national championship with Michigan. He was named All-Big Ten honorable mention, finishing the season with 47 receptions for 604 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 40 yards.

Statistics + Year Team Games Receiving Rushing GP GS Rec Yards Avg TD Att Yards Avg TD 2019 Michigan 12 0 4 61 15.3 1 0 0 0.0 0 2020 Michigan 6 3 16 254 15.9 3 0 0 0.0 0 2021 Michigan 14 14 39 620 15.9 3 3 30 10.0 0 2022 Michigan 14 14 32 499 15.6 6 0 0 0.0 0 2023 Michigan 15 14 47 604 12.9 1 3 40 13.3 0Career 61 45 138 2,038 14.8 14 6 70 11.7 0

Professional career

Los Angeles Chargers Johnson was selected in the seventh round, 253rd overall, by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2024 NFL draft. He was waived on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad, but released a few days later.

Green Bay Packers On September 18, 2024, Johnson signed with the Green Bay Packers practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Green Bay on January 13, 2025. On August 26, Johnson was released by the Packers as part of final roster cuts.

Baltimore Ravens On September 9, 2025, Johnson was signed to the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Baltimore on January 5, 2026.

On August 30, 2026, Johnson was waived by the Ravens as part of final roster cuts.