Duke Johnson
{{Short description|American football player (born 1993)}}
{{about|the American football player|the filmmaker|Duke Johnson (director)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Duke Johnson
| image = Duke Johnson 2016.jpg
| caption = Johnson with the Cleveland Browns in 2016
| number = 29, 25, 28, 22
| position = Running back
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|9|23|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Miami, Florida, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 9
| weight_lbs = 210
| high_school = Miami Norland
(Miami Gardens, Florida)
| college = Miami (FL) (2012–2014)
| draftyear = 2015
| draftround = 3
| draftpick = 77
| pastteams = * Cleveland Browns ({{NFL Year|2015}}–{{NFL Year|2018}})
- Houston Texans ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2020}})
- Jacksonville Jaguars ({{NFL Year|2021}})*
- Miami Dolphins ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- Buffalo Bills ({{NFL Year|2022}})
| highlights = * ACC Brian Piccolo Award (2014)
- First-team All-ACC (2014)
- 2× Second-team All-ACC (2012, 2013)
- ACC Rookie of the Year (2012)
- ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year (2012)
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Rushing yards
| statvalue1 = 2,265
| statlabel2 = Rushing average
| statvalue2 = 4.3
| statlabel3 = Receptions
| statvalue3 = 311
| statlabel4 = Receiving yards
| statvalue4 = 2,870
| statlabel5 = Receiving average
| statvalue5 = 9.2
| statlabel6 = Return yards
| statvalue6 = 357
| statlabel7 = Total touchdowns
| statvalue7 = 23
| pfr = J/JohnDu00
}}
Randy "Duke" Johnson Jr. (born September 23, 1993) is an American former professional football running back who played eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round (77th overall) of the 2015 NFL draft after playing college football at the University of Miami. He played in the NFL for the Browns, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills.
Early life
Johnson attended Miami Norland Senior High School in Miami Gardens, Florida, where he played football and ran track.{{Cite web |last=Milian |first=Jorge |date=December 19, 2011 |title=Miami Norland senior back Randy 'Duke' Johnson confident he can get Miami Hurricanes back on top |url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/college/miami-norland-senior-back-randy-duke-johnson-confident-can-get-miami-hurricanes-back-top/LQjWue7JkkjGBTKFQoKDTJ/ |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Palm Beach Post}} As a sophomore, Johnson ran for 1,540 yards and 25 touchdowns. In his junior year, he led Norland to a 13–2 record and state runner-up. After beating the Sammy Watkins-led South Fort Myers 44–28 in the semifinals,{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2010 |title=Uncharacteristic mistakes doom South Fort Myers in state semis |url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/dec/10/prep-football-uncharacteristic-mistakes-doom-south/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110124741/http://www.naplesnews.com/errors/404/ |archive-date=January 10, 2020 |access-date=October 26, 2013 |website=Naples News}} Norland lost 44–34 to the unbeaten Tampa Jefferson in the class 3A final.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Joe |date=December 17, 2010 |title=Tampa Jefferson wins first state title, beating Miami Norland 44–34 in the Class 3A football final |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2010/12/17/tampa-jefferson-wins-first-state-title-beating-miami-norland-44-34-in-the-class-3a-football-final/ |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=Orlando Sentinel}} During his senior year, Johnson compiled 1,957 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, 14 receptions for 232 receiving yards and three touchdowns, three kickoff returns and one punt return for scores, as he led Miami Norland to 15–0 finish and state Class 5A championship. In the championship game against Wakulla, he scored five touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Joe |date=December 16, 2011 |title=Miami Norland captures 5A state football title over Crawfordville Wakulla |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2011/12/16/miami-norland-captures-5a-state-football-title-over-crawfordville-wakulla/ |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=Orlando Sentinel}}
He was also on the school's track & field team, where he was a standout sprinter and long jumper. He placed 5th in the long jump event at the 2010 GMAC Qualifiers, with a jump of 6.60 meters.{{Cite web |title=GMAC Qualifiers 2010 – South Qualifier (Raw) |url=https://fl.milesplit.com/meets/64307-gmac-qualifiers-2010/results/117117/raw |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=flrunners.com |language=en}} In 2011, he placed 4th in the 100 meters at the 3rd Annual Miramar Invitational, recording a career-best time of 10.62 seconds.{{Cite web |title=3rd Annual Miramar Invitational 2011 – Complete Results (Raw) |url=https://fl.milesplit.com/meets/82791-3rd-annual-miramar-invitational-2011/results/153835/raw |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=flrunners.com |language=en}} He finished 3rd in the 200 meters at the FHSAA 3A District 16, with a time of 22.31 seconds.{{Cite web |title=FHSAA 3A District 16 2011 – Complete Results (Raw) |url=https://fl.milesplit.com/meets/85790-fhsaa-3a-district-16-2011/results/156120/raw |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=flrunners.com |language=en}}
He was considered the best all-purpose running back recruit by Rivals.com.{{Cite web |title=Randy Johnson, 2012 All Purpose Back |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2012/randy-johnson-19851 |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}}
College career
Johnson attended and played college football at the University of Miami from 2012 to 2014.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/duke-johnson-1.html |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In his freshman season, he rushed for 947 yards on 139 carries with ten touchdowns and caught 27 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown. He also threw an additional touchdown in a 41–40 loss to Virginia.{{Cite web |title=Miami (FL) at Virginia Box Score, November 10, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-10-virginia.html |access-date=April 12, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He also played a major role on special teams, where he returned 28 kicks for two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL Miami(FL)-2012-Duke Johnson-8-RB-FR |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2012&org=415&player=8 |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=web1.ncaa.org}}{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson Jr.-College-Stats |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2969962/duke-johnson |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/duke-johnson-1/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
In 2012, Johnson won both the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards. He became the first Miami Hurricane to win both awards.
In 2013, Johnson joined the Miami indoor track team, posting a personal-best time of 6.92 seconds in the 60 meters at New Mexico Classic. Johnson's sophomore campaign with the Hurricane's football team came to an abrupt end on November 2, 2013, when he broke his ankle against arch-rival Florida State.{{Cite news |last=Navarro |first=Manny |date=November 3, 2013 |title=Duke Johnson out for the season with broken ankle source says {{!}} Eye on the U |url=http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2013/11/source-duke-johnson-out-for-the-season-with-broken-ankle.html |access-date=November 14, 2016 |work=Miami Herald}} Miami lost that game 41–14.{{Cite web |last=Degnan |first=Susan Miller |date=September 8, 2014 |title=Florida State sinks Miami Hurricanes behind dominant second half |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article1957039.html |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=miamiherald}} Through eight games, Johnson rushed for 920 yards on 145 carries, with six touchdowns. He also had four catches for 77 yards.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/duke-johnson-1/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Johnson returned from the injury his junior season in 2014 to play in all 13 games. During the season, he passed Ottis Anderson to become the Hurricanes' all-time rushing yards leader.{{Cite news |last=Cabrera Chirinos |first=Christy |date=November 30, 2014 |title=Duke Johnson becomes UM all-time leading rusher |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-hurricanes/fl-um-football-news-1130-20141129-story.html |access-date=November 14, 2016 |work=Sun-Sentinel}} He ended the 2014 season with 1,652 yards and 10 touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/duke-johnson-1/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
After his junior season, Johnson decided to forgo his senior season and declared for the 2015 NFL draft.{{Cite news |last=Fortuna |first=Matt |date=December 28, 2014 |title=RB Johnson leaving Miami, will enter draft |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2015/story/_/id/12087164/duke-johnson-leaving-miami-enter-nfl-draft |access-date=November 14, 2016 |work=ESPN.com}} He finished his college career with 3,519 rushing yards on 526 carries with 26 touchdowns, and had 69 receptions for 719 yards and four touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson Career Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/duke-johnson-1/gamelog/ |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="4"| Receiving | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2012 || Miami
| 139 || 947 || 6.8 || 65 || 10 || 27 || 221 || 8.2 || 1 | ||||||||
| 2013 || Miami
| 145 || 920 || 6.3 || 59 || 6 || 4 || 77|| 19.3 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2014 || Miami
| 242 || 1,652 || 6.8 || 90 || 10 || 38 || 421 || 11.1 || 3 | ||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/duke-johnson-1.html Career] || 526 || 3,519 || 6.7 || 90 || 26 || 69 || 719 || 10.4 || 4 |
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
On December 28, 2014, Johnson announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Bakas |first=Mike |date=December 28, 2014 |title=Duke Johnson declares for 2015 NFL Draft |url=https://247sports.com/college/miami/Article/DUKE-JOHNSON-DECLARES-FOR-2015-NFL-DRAFT-105168079 |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=247Sports.com}} Johnson attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and performed a few combine drills before sustaining a hamstring injury. Due to his hamstring, he skipped the three-cone drill and short shuttle and voluntarily chose to skip the bench press. On April 1, 2015, Johnson participated at Miami's pro day and chose to perform the majority of combine drills, but elected to skip the broad jump. He improved his 40-yard dash (4.51s), 20-yard dash (2.57s), 10-yard dash (1.58s), and vertical jump (35") and also completed the bench press (18), short shuttle (4.16s), and three-cone drill (6.88s). Scouts and team representatives from all 32 NFL teams attended Miami's pro day, including head coaches Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh Steelers, Todd Bowles New York Jets, and Sean Payton New Orleans Saints.{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Matt |date=April 2, 2015 |title=Hurricanes pro day, and which NFL personnel attended |url=http://caneswatch.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/04/01/who-impressed-at-miami-hurricanes-pro-day-and-which-nfl-personnel-attended/ |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=Palm Beach Post}}
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000478317/2015-Combine-workout-Duke-Johnson Duke Johnson's Combine Workout]
| video2 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000468033/Pro-Comparison-Duke-Johnson Pro Comparison: Duke Johnson]
}}
He also attended private workouts and visits with the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |last=Boston |first=Freddie |date=April 13, 2015 |title=The Dirty Bird Daily: Falcons workout Duke Johnson |url=https://bloggingdirty.com/2015/04/13/the-dirty-bird-daily-falcons-workout-duke-johnson/ |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=bloggingdirty.com}} At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Johnson was projected to be a second round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts.{{Cite web |title=*Duke Johnson, DS #4 RB, Miami |url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=123705&draftyear=2015&genpos=RB |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=draftscout.com}} He was ranked as the fourth best running back prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and NFL analyst Mike Mayock, was ranked the fifth best running back by Sports Illustrated and Scouts Inc., and was ranked the seventh best running back by NFL analyst Charles Davis.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Charles |date=April 1, 2015 |title=2015 NFL draft rankings by position |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/2015-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-by-position-0ap3000000483055 |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Mayock |first=Mike |date=April 28, 2015 |title=Mike Mayock's 2015 NFL Draft Position Rankings 5.0 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-mayock-s-2015-nfl-draft-position-rankings-5-0-0ap3000000488475 |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2015 |title=SI's Top 64 Prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/photos/2015/04/24/top-64-prospects-2015-nfl-draft |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=si.com}}{{Cite web |title=ESPN.com: NFL Draft Profile: Duke Johnson |url=http://espn.com/nfl/draftcard?playerId=46874&src=desktop |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 9+1/8
| weight = 207
| dash = 4.54
| ten split = 1.60
| twenty split = 2.64
| shuttle = 4.16
| cone drill = 6.88
| vertical = 33 1/2
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 1
| bench = 18
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 30 3/8
| hand span = 9 1/4
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Miami's Pro Day{{Cite web |title=NFL Draft Profile: Duke Johnson |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/duke-johnson?id=2552461 |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}
}}
=Cleveland Browns=
==2015==
The Cleveland Browns selected Johnson in the third round with the 77th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Johnson was the sixth running back drafted in 2015.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Michael |date=May 1, 2015 |title=Duke Johnson drafted by Browns in 3rd round |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/5/1/8338747/duke-johnson-nfl-draft-2015-browns |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=SBNation.com}}{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/draft.htm |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
{{external media
| video1 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000490163/Browns-pick-Johnson-No-77 Browns draft Duke Johnson 77th overall]
}}
On June 16, 2015, the Browns signed Johnson to a four-year, $3.10 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $710,092.{{Cite news |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=June 16, 2015 |title=Cleveland Browns sign 3rd-round back Duke Johnson, the last of their 12 picks to sign |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/06/cleveland_browns_sign_3rd-roun.html |access-date=June 18, 2015 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer}}{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Duke Johnson contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/duke-johnson-16801/ |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}
On August 1, 2015, Johnson injured his hamstring on the first day of the Browns' training camp.{{Cite news |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=August 1, 2015 |title=Browns RBs Duke Johnson and Terrance West could miss a little time with hamstring and calf injuries |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/08/browns_rbs_duke_johnson_and_te.html |access-date=August 11, 2015 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer}} He was sidelined for the next ten days, and was inactive during the first preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium.{{Cite news |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=August 11, 2015 |title=Browns' Terrelle Pryor, Dwayne Bowe and Duke Johnson all ruled out of Redskins game with hamstrings |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/08/terrelle_pryor_dwayne_bowe_and.html |access-date=August 11, 2015 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer}} During Johnson's first pre-season appearance, he was diagnosed with a concussion and was removed from the game.{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=August 30, 2015 |title=Browns have more to learn about RBs in final week of preseason |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-have-more-to-learn-about-rbs-in-final-week-of-preseason-15774615 |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com}} Throughout training camp, Johnson competed to be one of the primary running backs in the Browns' rotation against Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West, and Shaun Draughn.{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=July 10, 2015 |title=Browns RB Duke Johnson almost quit football, but armed himself with a reason to be great |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/07/duke_johnson_armed_with_a_reas.html |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=Cleveland.com}} Head coach Mike Pettine named Johnson the backup running back, behind Isaiah Crowell, to begin the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 10/01/2015 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/176/CLE |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}} He replaced Terrance West after West showed up to training camp overweight and was released as part of final roster cuts.
He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Browns' season opener at the Jets and had seven carries for 22 yards in their 31–10 loss.{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=September 14, 2015 |title=Browns know running game has to be better vs. Titans |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-know-running-game-has-to-be-better-vs-Titans/7212385b-5384-4095-9d87-9f536c5c14bf |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=Cleveland Browns}} On October 4, 2015, Johnson had eight carries for 31 yards and recorded a season-high nine receptions for 85 yards and scored his first career touchdown during a 30–27 loss at the San Diego Chargers in Week 4.{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Dan |date=October 4, 2015 |title=Stats and Facts: Browns vs. Chargers |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Stats-and-Facts-Browns-vs-Chargers/7156cdfa-1249-467e-be82-eb4f0e7044bf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107092805/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Stats-and-Facts-Browns-vs-Chargers/7156cdfa-1249-467e-be82-eb4f0e7044bf |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=Cleveland Browns}} Johnson scored his first career touchdown on a 34-yard pass by quarterback Josh McCown in the second quarter.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at San Diego Chargers – October 4th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510040sdg.htm |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 14, he had a season-high 13 carries for 78 rushing yards in the Browns' 24–10 win against the San Francisco 49ers. He finished his rookie season in 2015 with 104 carries for 379 rushing yards and 61 receptions for 534 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 16 games and seven starts.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Johnson's 61 receptions are the second-most by a Browns rookie, tied with wide receiver Greg Little.{{Cite web |title=Stats and Facts: Browns vs. Steelers |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/stats-and-facts-browns-vs-steelers-16631768 |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=Cleveland Browns}} Among rookies, Johnson ranked first in receptions and receiving yards among rookie running backs and second in receptions overall, just under Oakland Raiders' Amari Cooper.{{Cite web |title=Most receptions by a running back, rookie, 2015 season |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/rookie-running-back-reception-leaders-2015 |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en}} Johnson was ranked sixth overall among rookies in receiving yards and was one of six rookies to surpass 500 yards receiving.{{Cite web |title=Most receiving yards by a running back, rookie, 2015 season |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/rookie-running-back-receiving-yards-leaders-2015 |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}
==2016==
On January 4, 2016, the Cleveland Browns fired head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer after the Browns finished with a 3–13 record in 2015.{{Cite web |last=McManamon |first=Pat |date=January 4, 2016 |title=Browns fire Mike Pettine, Ray Farmer |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14496027/cleveland-browns-fire-mike-pettine-ray-farmer |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} During training camp, Johnson competed to be the starting running back against Isaiah Crowell. Head coach Hue Jackson officially named Johnson the backup running back, behind Isaiah Crowell, to start the regular season in 2016.{{Cite web |last=Pokorny |first=Chris |date=August 29, 2016 |title=Cleveland Browns release updated depth chart after cuts |url=https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2016/8/29/12701010/cleveland-browns-release-updated-depth-chart-after-cuts |access-date=August 11, 2018 |website=dawgsbynature.com}}
In Week 3, Johnson had a season-high ten carries for 69 yards and also caught five passes for 12 yards during a 30–24 loss at the Miami Dolphins. On October 16, 2016, Johnson had four carries for 18 yards and four receptions for 56 yards while also scoring his first rushing touchdown during a 28–26 loss at the Tennessee Titans in Week 6.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins – September 25th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609250mia.htm |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On October 30, 2016, Johnson caught six passes for a season-high 87 yards and had four carries for 29 rushing yards as the Browns lost 31–28 against the Jets in Week 8.{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2016 |title=Browns' Duke Johnson: Hauls in six catches Sunday |url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/browns-duke-johnson-hauls-in-six-catches-sunday/ |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=CBSSports.com}} Johnson finished the 2016 season with 73 carries for 358 rushing yards (4.9 yards per carry) and a touchdown and 53 receptions for 514 receiving yards in 16 games and one start. Johnson served as a punt returner in 2016 and had 17 returns for 112 yards. He also had two fumbles and recorded two solo tackles in special teams.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2017==
Johnson shared the Browns' backfield with Isaiah Crowell in the 2017 season.{{Cite web |title=2017 Cleveland Browns Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/2017.htm |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 15, against the Baltimore Ravens, he became the first NFL running back since Herschel Walker in 1986–1988 to record at least 500 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons.{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=December 17, 2017 |title=By the Numbers: Field position, turnovers hamper Browns offense |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/By-the-Numbers-Field-position-turnovers-hamper-Browns-offense/0b3b3096-a60e-4710-9b89-974886cb3667 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218031627/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/By-the-Numbers-Field-position-turnovers-hamper-Browns-offense/0b3b3096-a60e-4710-9b89-974886cb3667 |archive-date=December 18, 2017 |access-date=December 17, 2017 |website=Cleveland Browns}}{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns – December 17th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712170cle.htm |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, he finished the 2017 season with 348 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 74 receptions, 693 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns as the Browns struggled to only the second 0–16 season in NFL history.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=McManamon |first=Pat |date=December 31, 2017 |title=Browns finish 0–16 but Jackson will be back |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21926596 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}
==2018==
File:Duke_Johnson_(43380222375).jpg rushing against the Buffalo Bills in 2018]]
On June 7, 2018, the Cleveland Browns signed Johnson to a three-year, $15.61 million contract extension with $7.75 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3 million.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=June 7, 2018 |title=Duke Johnson, Browns agree to 3-year, $15.6M deal |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/duke-johnson-browns-agree-to-3-year-15-6m-deal-0ap3000000936304 |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} Going into the 2018 season, Johnson shared the backfield with Carlos Hyde and rookie Nick Chubb.{{Cite web |title=2018 Cleveland Browns Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/2018.htm |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Through the first six games, Johnson retained his familiar role as a runner and catcher totaling 111 rushing yards and 14 receptions for 164 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2018 Game Log (Games 1–6) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00/gamelog/2018/#49-54-sum:stats |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Before Week 7, Hyde was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=October 19, 2018 |title=Trade! Browns send Carlos Hyde to Jaguars for pick |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/trade-browns-send-carlos-hyde-to-jaguars-for-pick-0ap3000000976029 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}} In Week 9, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had nine receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns in the 37–21 loss.{{Cite web |last=Florjancic |first=Matthew |date=November 5, 2018 |title=Duke Johnson Jr. shows play-making skills of old for Cleveland Browns against Kansas City Chiefs |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nfl/browns/duke-johnson-jr-shows-play-making-skills-of-old-for-cleveland-browns-against-kansas-city-chiefs/95-611359453 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=WKYC}} Overall, he finished the 2018 season with 201 rushing yards to go along with 47 receptions for 429 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00.htm |access-date=March 1, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Houston Texans=
On August 8, 2019, Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans for a conditional 2020 fourth-round pick that can become a third-round pick if active on the Texans roster for 10 games.{{Cite web |date=August 8, 2019 |title=Browns trade Duke Johnson to Texans for 2020 pick |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-trade-duke-johnson-to-texans-for-2020-pick-0ap3000001039682 |access-date=June 1, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} Johnson made his debut with the Texans in Week 1 against the Saints. In the game, Johnson rushed nine times for 57 yards and caught four passes for 33 yards in the 30–28 loss.{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Lutz's 58-yard field goal lifts Saints over Texans, 30–28 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128021 |access-date=September 9, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Overall, Johnson finished the 2019 season with 410 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with 44 receptions for 410 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=January 7, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
In the 2020 season, Johnson appeared in 11 games and finished with 77 carries for 235 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 28 receptions for 249 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On February 26, 2021, Johnson was released by the Texans.{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Florio |date=2021-02-26 |title=Texans cut Duke Johnson |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/texans-cut-duke-johnson |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}
=Jacksonville Jaguars=
On September 6, 2021, Johnson was signed to the practice squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2021 |title=Roster Moves: Jaguars sign 1 and release 1 from the practice squad |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/roster-jacksonville-jaguars-sign-duke-johnson |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907033149/https://www.jaguars.com/news/roster-jacksonville-jaguars-sign-duke-johnson |archive-date=September 7, 2021 |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=Jaguars.com}} He was released on September 16.{{Cite web |last=Shipley |first=John |date=September 16, 2021 |title=Jaguars Release Duke Johnson From Practice Squad |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/gm-report/jaguars-release-duke-johnson-from-practice-squad |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=Sports Illustrated Jacksonville Jaguars News, Analysis and More |language=en}}
=Miami Dolphins=
On October 26, 2021, Johnson was signed to the Dolphins practice squad.{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Roster Moves: Miami Dolphins Sign S Redwine and RB Johnson, Place RB Brown and DB McCourty on IR |url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/roster-moves-miami-dolphins-make-roster-moves-week-7-x2889 |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=MiamiDolphins.com}}
On December 19, 2021, in his first home game with the Dolphins, Johnson rushed for a career high 107 yards and two touchdowns in a 31–24 win against the Jets.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – December 19th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112190mia.htm |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The next day, Johnson was signed to the Dolphins' active roster.{{Cite web |last=Poupart |first=Alain |date=December 20, 2021 |title=Dolphins Signing Duke to Active Roster |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/news/miami-dolphins-signing-running-back-duke-johnson-to-active-roster |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=SI.com}} He finished the 2021 season with 71 carries for 330 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with four receptions for 41 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Duke Johnson 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Buffalo Bills=
On March 22, 2022, Johnson signed with the Bills on a one-year deal.{{Cite web |last=Glab |first=Maddy |date=March 22, 2022 |title=Bills sign running back Duke Johnson |url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-sign-running-back-duke-johnson |access-date=March 22, 2022 |website=BuffaloBills.com}} He was released on August 30, 2022, and signed to the practice squad the next day.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Alec |date=August 30, 2022 |title=Roster moves: Bills set initial 53-man roster |url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/roster-moves-bills-set-initial-53-man-roster |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=BuffaloBills.com}}{{Cite web |last=White |first=Alec |date=August 31, 2022 |title=Bills sign 13 players to practice squad |url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-sign-13-players-to-practice-squad |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=BuffaloBills.com}} His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 22, 2023.
=Retirement=
Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL on May 5, 2024.{{cite web|date=May 5, 2024|title=Ex-Browns, Texans RB Duke Johnson retires from NFL|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40090008/ex-browns-texans-rb-duke-johnson-retires-8-seasons-nfl|access-date=May 5, 2024|website=ESPN.com}}
NFL career statistics
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
|+Regular season statistics | |||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost |
| 2015 | CLE
| 16 || 7 || 104 || 379 || 3.6 || 39 || 0 || 61 || 534 || 8.8 || 52 || 2 || 1 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | CLE
| 16 || 1 || 73 || 358 || 4.9 || 22 || 1 || 53 || 514 || 9.7 || 32 || 0 || 2 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2017 | CLE
| 16 || 0 || 82 || 348 || 4.2 || 19T || 4 || 74 || 693 || 9.4 || 41T || 3 || 4 || 2 | ||||||||||||
| 2018 | CLE
| 16 || 2 || 40 || 201 || 5.0 || 23 || 0 || 47 || 429 || 9.1 || 32 || 3 || 1 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | HOU
| 16 || 2 || 83 || 410 || 4.9 || 40 || 2 || 44 || 410 || 9.3 || 21 || 3 || 1 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2020 | HOU
| 11 || 5 || 77 || 235 || 3.1 || 23 || 1 || 28 || 249 || 8.9 || 48 || 1 || 3 || 2 | ||||||||||||
| 2021 | MIA
| 5 || 4 || 71 || 330 || 4.6 || 27 || 3 || 4 || 41 || 10.3 || 20 || 0 || 1 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2022 | BUF
| 1 || 0 || 2 || 4 || 2.0 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00.htm Total] || 97|| 21 || 532 || 2,265 || 4.3 || 40 || 11 || 311 || 2,870 || 9.2 || 52 || 12 || 12 || 6 |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Postseason statistics | |||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost |
| 2019 | HOU
| 1 || 0 || 3 || 38 || 12.6 || 19 || 0 || 3 || 30 || 10.0 || 18 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnDu00/gamelog/post/ Total] || 1 || 0 || 3 || 38 || 12.6 || 19 || 0 || 3 || 30 || 10.0 || 18 || 0 || 0 || 0 |
Personal life
He is the cousin of professional basketball player Dewan Hernandez.{{Cite web |last=Pert |first=Austin |date=October 10, 2018 |title=Dewan Hernandez Loves His Name and His Mama, And Isn't Sorry About It |url=https://www.stateoftheu.com/2018/10/10/17958066/miami-hurricanes-dewan-hernandez-loves-his-name-and-his-mama-and-isnt-sorry-about-it-name-change |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=State of the U}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{footballstats|pfr=J/JohnDu00|yahoo=28465|espn=2969962|nfl=duke-johnson}}
- {{commons category-inline}}
{{Browns2015DraftPicks}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Duke}}
Category:Players of American football from Miami
Category:Miami Norland Senior High School alumni
Category:American football running backs
Category:Miami Hurricanes football players
Category:Cleveland Browns players
Category:Houston Texans players
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players
Category:Miami Dolphins players
Category:Buffalo Bills players