Lonnie Johnson Jr.

Lionel "Lonnie" Johnson Jr. (born November 4, 1995) is an American professional football safety. He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Early life Johnson attended West Side Leadership Academy in Gary, Indiana. He originally committed to Ohio State University to play college football, but decommitted and went to San Bernardino Valley College. Johnson later transferred to Garden City Community College.

College career Johnson attended San Bernardino Valley College in 2014 and played wide receiver and special teams. He attended Garden City in 2015 and 2016, but did not play in 2016 to concentrate on academics. He transferred to the University of Kentucky in 2017. In two seasons at Kentucky, he had 64 tackles and one interception.

Professional career

Houston Texans (first stint) Johnson was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round, 54th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft. The Texans previously acquired the 54th overall pick from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade that sent Duane Brown to Seattle. On May 10, 2019, he signed his rookie contract.

In the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnson recovered a blocked punt and returned it for a 25-yard touchdown during the 51–31 loss. His ineffectiveness in covering Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, in part due to an injury sustained mid-game, was cited as one of the primary reasons for the Chiefs' historic comeback win.

Kansas City Chiefs On May 2, 2022, Johnson was traded to the Chiefs for a 2024 conditional seventh-round pick. He was waived on August 15.

Tennessee Titans Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans on August 16, 2022. He was placed on injured reserve on November 17, and was activated on December 17.

New Orleans Saints On March 21, 2023, Johnson signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. He made 12 appearances for New Orleans during the regular season, recording one interception, two pass deflections, one fumble recovery, and nine combined tackles.

Houston Texans (second stint) On March 15, 2024, Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans. He was released during roster cuts on August 27.

Carolina Panthers On August 28, 2024, Johnson was signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on September 10.

Las Vegas Raiders On March 13, 2025, Johnson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. On August 2, Johnson suffered a fractured fibula after colliding with teammate Maxx Crosby during a practice at Allegiant Stadium; he began the season on injured reserve as a result. He was activated on November 6, ahead of the team's Week 10 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Miami Dolphins On March 12, 2026, Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. On August 30, he was released as part of final roster cuts.

NFL career statistics Legend Bold Career high

Regular season Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fum FR Yds TD 2019 HOU 14 7 41 34 7 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 2020 HOU 16 5 76 56 20 0.0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2021 HOU 14 7 55 38 17 0.0 0 3 47 15.7 32 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 2022 TEN 12 0 11 8 3 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2023 NO 12 0 9 8 1 0.0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 2024 CAR 15 1 7 6 1 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2025 LV 9 2 25 14 11 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0Career 92 22 224 164 60 0.0 1 4 47 11.8 32 0 17 0 0 1 0 0

Postseason Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fum FR Yds TD 2019 HOU 2 1 4 4 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 2 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0