Tre Johnson, a formidable presence on the football field, has sadly passed away at the age of 54 during a family trip. Known for his strength and skill, Johnson's sudden passing leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones and the football community. His wife, Irene, shared that his death was unexpected, though he had been facing recent health challenges.
Johnson's NFL journey began when he joined the Cleveland Browns in 2001, during the team's third year of existence. At 30, he brought his powerful 6-foot-2, 328-pound frame to the right guard position, playing alongside veteran Ross Verba.
Under head coach Butch Davis, the Browns ended the season with a 7-9 record. Unfortunately, Johnson's time on the field was cut short due to a torn quadriceps tendon suffered in a Week 3 victory over Jacksonville.
This injury led to season-ending surgery and placed him on injured reserve.
Rookie Jeremy McKinney stepped in to fill Johnson's shoes for the remainder of the season. Despite his efforts, Johnson was released during the following training camp.
Johnson's NFL career began with the Washington Redskins, who drafted him in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. Over seven seasons with Washington, he played 90 games, starting 69 of them.
His standout performance in 1999 earned him a Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the Second Team All-Pro. However, his final year with the Redskins in 2000 was marred by injury, limiting him to four games before his release.
After his stint with the Browns, Johnson returned to Washington for one more season, appearing in 10 games before retiring from professional football.
Off the field, Johnson found a new calling as a history teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland. He leaves behind his wife, Irene, and their four children, Chloe, EJ, EZ, and Eden. In a heartfelt message, Irene expressed the family's devastation and shock at his passing.
Tre Johnson's legacy extends beyond his contributions on the gridiron. He was a beloved teacher, husband, and father, whose impact will be remembered by all who knew him.