Tre Johnson, who played eight seasons in the NFL with the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Browns, has tragically died aged 54 after traveling to watch his son play at Hampton University
08:05 ET, 16 Feb 2026Updated 08:06 ET, 16 Feb 2026
Tre Johnson has died at 54 years of age
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Tre Johnson has died at 54 years of age(Image: Getty Images)
Former Pro Bowl guard Tre Johnson “unexpectedly” died while away to watch his son play football.
On Sunday, Johnson passed away aged 54. It comes as a shock to the Washington franchise, which has already lost a Super Bowl champion earlier this offseason.
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Johnson had a standout collegiate career at Temple University and was selected by Washington with the 31st overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft. He played guard for the NFC East franchise from 1994 to 2000 before signing with the Cleveland Browns in 2001. He was selected to the 1999 Pro Bowl after being named a Second-team All-Pro.
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He started 72 of the 93 regular-season games he played and both playoff contests - nearly all at guard. In retirement, Johnson was a history teacher who worked in both the classroom and on the field as a coach at the Landon School. However, he recently took a leave of absence due to health issues.
Johnson’s wife Irene admitted that his death has rocked their friends and family. The ex-NFL player leaves behind his wife and their four children: Chloe, EJ, EZ, and Eden.
“If you know Tre' you know what a devoted and loving father, he was to his children,” Johnson said in a post on Facebook. “Tre' lived for his kid’s sports activities and supported them through every practice and game until he took his last breath.
“He shared his passion for Frenchie’s and riding his motorcycle with me and his fellow biking buddies.”
On his career, Irene wrote: “He loved the game and prided himself on his tremendous knowledge of it.”
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Tre Johnson became a teacher and coach at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland following his career
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Tre Johnson became a teacher and coach at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland following his career(Image: Getty Images)
She added: “After retirement, he also found his second career passion, education. He worked as a History Teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda Maryland, where he was beloved by the young male students he mentored and the faculty. His recent battles with health issues forced him to take a leave of absence.
“We will miss him so much.”
Sportscaster Chick Hernandez was a close friend of Johnson years ago. He revealed the late Pro Bowler was at Hampton University to watch his son play football when he collapsed at his hotel, leading to his tragic passing.
“Tre was one of the smartest players I’ve ever met or covered,” Hernandez posted as he paid tribute. “The conversations always veered away from football.
“Sorry we lost touch later in life. 2nd pick by Washington in 1994. Played for Washington for the majority of his eight-season NFL career. RIP Big smarty. @eyezediting [Irene] our thoughts are with your family.”
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The Commanders issued a statement too, which read: “We’re heartbroken to learn of the loss of former Washington All-Pro guard Tre’ Johnson. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”