Josh Johnson: The NFL’s Ultimate Journeyman and a Masterclass in Longevity
There are NFL careers, and then there’s Josh Johnson’s career - a path so unique and enduring, it’s hard to believe it's real unless you’ve seen the jersey collection to prove it. The veteran quarterback has now suited up for a staggering 15 NFL teams, which means nearly half the league has called his number at some point. That’s not just a trivia nugget - it’s a testament to adaptability, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the game.
Johnson’s story is less about box score dominance and more about carving out a role in one of the most cutthroat professional sports environments. His latest stop brings him back to Washington, this time with the Commanders, where he signed a one-year deal ahead of the 2025 season. It's his second stint with the franchise - the first coming back in 2018 - and while he spent most of this year as the third-string quarterback, injuries to Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota opened the door for Johnson to start his first NFL game since 2021.
That moment, even if brief, says everything about Johnson’s staying power. In a league where careers can be over before they begin, Johnson has managed to stay relevant for 16 seasons. And while he’s never been a long-term starter, his ability to step in, absorb a playbook, and lead a huddle on short notice has made him one of the most trusted backup options in the NFL.
The Draft Day That Started It All
Johnson’s NFL journey began in 2008 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, 160th overall. Coming out of the University of San Diego - not exactly a football powerhouse - he’d already turned heads with eye-popping college stats: 9,699 passing yards, 113 touchdowns to just 15 interceptions, and a 68% completion rate. He followed that up with a strong showing at the NFL Combine, including a 4.53-second 40-yard dash and a 33.5-inch vertical, both top-tier numbers for a quarterback.
Tampa Bay acquired the pick used to take Johnson via a trade with New England, swapping their 153rd overall pick for the Patriots’ 160th and 238th selections. That move set the stage for one of the most unconventional careers in league history.
A Career That Defies Convention
Since entering the league, Johnson has played for 15 different NFL teams, often bouncing between active rosters and practice squads. His longest continuous stretch with one franchise came at the very beginning - four seasons with the Buccaneers from 2008 to 2011.
But if there’s a team that’s truly defined his career, it’s the San Francisco 49ers. They’ve brought him in four separate times: 2012, 2014, 2020-2021, and again in 2022.
Overall, Johnson has appeared in 32 NFL games and started nine. His record as a starter sits at 1-8, with a career stat line of 205 completions on 353 attempts (58.1%), 2,270 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.
But his football journey hasn’t been limited to the NFL. Johnson has also suited up in multiple alternative leagues, including the UFL’s Sacramento Mountain Lions (2012), the AAF’s San Diego Fleet (2019), and the XFL’s Los Angeles Wildcats (2020). Each stop added a layer of experience and resilience to his football résumé.
The Full NFL Tour
Here’s a look at Johnson’s NFL timeline - a tour that reads more like a cross-country road trip than a typical player profile:
- Buccaneers (2008-2011)
- 49ers (2012) *
- Browns (2012)
- Bengals (2013)
- 49ers (2014) *
- Bengals (2015) *
- Jets (2015) *
- Colts (2015)
- Bills (2015)
- Ravens (2016) *
- Giants (2016)
- Texans (2017)
- Raiders (2018) *
- Redskins (2018)
- Lions (2019) *
- 49ers (2020-2021) *
- Jets (2021)
- Ravens (2021)
- Broncos (2022)
- 49ers (2022)
- Ravens (2023-2024)
- Commanders (2025)
(*Indicates offseason or practice-squad member)
That list isn’t just long - it’s unprecedented. And while some of those stops were brief, each one speaks to the value teams see in having a veteran presence who can quickly get up to speed and provide stability when chaos hits.
The Financial Side of a Nomadic Career
Johnson’s football journey has also brought in steady earnings. His one-year deal with Washington in 2025 was worth $1.422 million, bringing his career NFL earnings to $12,071,785. That breaks down to about $276,427 per game played - a figure that underscores how valuable even limited on-field action can be when paired with longevity and versatility.
More Than Just a Footnote
Josh Johnson’s career may not be filled with Pro Bowl nods or playoff heroics, but it’s one of the most quietly remarkable stories in the modern NFL. He’s the quarterback you call when your depth chart is in shambles, the veteran who’s seen every system, learned every playbook, and kept himself ready for the moment - even if that moment comes years apart.
In a league that prizes youth and upside, Johnson has carved out a role built on reliability, professionalism, and a deep football IQ. That’s no small feat. And whether or not he takes another snap, his career stands as a masterclass in staying power - a reminder that there’s more than one way to make an impact in the NFL.