Jakob Johnson
{{Short description|German American football player (born 1994)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Jakob Johnson
| image = Jakob Johnson by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| caption = Johnson in 2023
| alt =
| current_team = Houston Texans
| number = 45
| position = Fullback
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1994|12|15}}
| birth_place = Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 3
| weight_lbs = 255
| high_school = Jean Ribault {{nowrap|(Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.)}}
| college = Tennessee (2014–2017)
| undraftedyear = 2018
| pastteams =
- Stuttgart Scorpions (2018)
- New England Patriots ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2021}})
- Las Vegas Raiders ({{NFL Year|2022|2023}})
- New York Giants ({{NFL Year|2024}})
- Houston Texans ({{NFL Year|2025}}–present)
| status = Active
| pastexecutive =
- Stuttgart Surge (2022–present)
Co-owner
| highlights =
| statseason = 2023
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Receptions
| statvalue1 = 19
| statlabel2 = Receiving yards
| statvalue2 = 105
| statlabel3 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 1
| pfr = JohnJa12
}}
Jakob Elijah Johnson ({{IPA|de|ˈjaːkɔp}} {{respell|YAH|kop}}; {{Ne|Weinmann}}; born 15 December 1994) is a German-American professional football fullback of the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and signed with the New England Patriots in 2019 through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. After three seasons in New England, Johnson played two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Early life
Johnson was born in Stuttgart, Germany, on 15 December 1994 as Jakob Weinmann to an African-American father and German mother. He later took on his father's name Johnson.{{Cite AV media |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nfl-spieler-jakob-johnson-%C3%BCber-kurze-karrieren-die/id1512414481 |title=NFL-Spieler Jakob Johnson über kurze Karrieren, die Definition von Verletzungen in der NFL und den Superbowl |date= |type=Audio |language=de |publisher=ZDF |minutes=24 |access-date=10 March 2022}} He played for the Stuttgart Scorpions on the U19 team before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, in his senior year of high school. He was a four-star recruit in high school and joined the Tennessee Volunteers as a linebacker.{{Cite web |last=Flesner |first=Dan |date=16 August 2017 |title=Tennessee Vols tight end Jakob Johnson working to have more catches than tackles |url=https://sports.usatoday.com/2017/08/16/tennessee-vols-tight-end-jakob-johnson-working-to-have-more-catches-than-tackles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002180233/https://sports.usatoday.com/2017/08/16/tennessee-vols-tight-end-jakob-johnson-working-to-have-more-catches-than-tackles/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 October 2019 |access-date=14 August 2019 |work=USA Today }} At the University of Tennessee, he became a member of the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll for three consecutive seasons and graduated with a degree in kinesiology. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2019/09/25/jakob-johnson-german-patriots-nfl/|title=4 things to know about Patriots rookie fullback Jakob Johnson|date=15 September 2019|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Boston.com|last=DuPont|first=Zachary}}
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 2 7/8
| weight = 253
| dash = 5.15
| ten split = 1.79
| twenty split = 2.96
| shuttle = 4.51
| cone drill = 7.49
| arm span = 31 7/8
| hand span = 9 1/4
| note = All values from Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=131993&DraftYear=2018 |title=2018 Draft Scout Jakob Johnson, Tennessee NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=draftscout.com}}
}}
=Stuttgart Scorpions=
Following his graduation from the University of Tennessee in 2018, Johnson returned to the Stuttgart Scorpions of the German Football League where he would play for a year. Johnson had 43 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns and rushed 10 times for 46 yards in 12 games played. The Scorpions finished with a 4–12 record on the season.{{Cite web |date=8 April 2019 |title=Patriots Sign Tight End Jakob Johnson Of German League |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/04/08/patriots-sign-jakob-johnson-tight-end-german-league-nfl-international-pathway-program/ |access-date=1 September 2019 |work=CBS - Boston}}
=New England Patriots=
File:Josh Gordon and Jakob Johnson (cropped) 2.jpg
Jakob entered the NFL via the International Player Pathway Program and was signed by New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on 8 April 2019.{{Cite web |last=McKenna |first=Henry |date=8 April 2019 |title=Patriots add TE Jakob Johnson from German football league |url=https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/08/patriots-sign-jakob-johnson/ |access-date=14 August 2019 |website=Patriots Wire|publisher=USA Today}} He was released during final roster cuts on 31 August 2019.{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Nicole |date=31 August 2019 |title=Patriots rumor roundup: Here's who won't make New England's 53-man roster |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2019/08/30/patriots-roster-moves-cuts-2 |access-date=31 August 2019 |website=Boston.com}} After remaining unclaimed in waivers, he was automatically assigned to the Patriots' practice squad for the 2019 season.{{Cite web |last=Kyed |first=Doug |date=1 September 2019 |title=Patriots Practice Squad Tracker: Stephen Anderson, Terez Hall Retained |url=https://nesn.com/2019/09/patriots-practice-squad-tracker-stephen-anderson-terez-hall-retained/ |access-date=1 September 2019 |website=NESN.com}} As the Patriots chose not to register him as an international player, Jakob counted against the 10-man practice squad limit, and was therefore eligible to be signed to the active roster during the 2019 season.{{Cite web |last=Buchmasser |first=Bernd |date=2 September 2019 |title=Patriots make further changes to their practice squad: Tyree St. Louis released, Jakob Johnson not given exemption |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2019/9/2/20845184/new-england-patriots-further-changes-practice-squad-tyree-st-louis-released-jakob-johnson-exemption |access-date=3 September 2019 |website=patspulpit.com}} He was promoted from the practice squad on 21 September 2019 following an injury to James Develin and became the first International Pathway player to be activated{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Adam |date=21 September 2019 |title=Patriots' Jakob Johnson 1st International Pathway Program Player to Be Activated |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2854705-patriots-jakob-johnson-1st-international-pathway-program-player-to-be-activated |access-date=22 September 2019 |website=BleacherReport.com |publisher=Bleacher Report}} and play in an NFL game.{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Adam |date=24 September 2019 |title=Jakob Johnson makes NFL debut with Patriots |url=https://volswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/24/jakob-johnson-makes-nfl-debut-with-patriots/ |access-date=25 September 2019 |website=USAToday.com}} He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on 14 October 2019 with a shoulder injury. In the 2019 season, he recorded one reception for five yards, and took 94 total snaps — 71 on offense and 23 on special teams — in 4 games played.{{Cite web |date=14 October 2019 |title=Patriots Place FB Jakob Johnson on IR |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-place-fb-jakob-johnson-on-ir |access-date=30 November 2019 |website=Patriots.com}}
To start the 2020 NFL season, his second, Johnson made the Patriots 53-man roster out of camp, becoming the second International Pathway player to do so after Efe Obada.{{Cite web |title=FOUR INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS ADDED TO ROSTERS FOR 2020 SEASON - April 27th, 2020 |url=https://operations.nfl.com/updates/football-ops/four-international-players-added-to-rosters-for-2020-season/ |access-date=7 December 2020 |website=nfl.com |date=27 April 2020 |language=en}} In Week 2 of the 2020 season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, Johnson scored his first NFL touchdown on a one-yard touchdown reception from Cam Newton,{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks - September 20th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009200sea.htm |access-date=23 September 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} becoming the first player from the International Player Pathway to score a touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Vautour |first=Matt |date=22 September 2020 |title=New England Patriots' Jakob Johnson's unlikely success story continues with first career TD |url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2020/09/new-england-patriots-jakob-johnsons-unlikely-success-story-continues-with-first-career-td-matt-vautour.html |access-date=23 September 2020 |website=MassLive.com}} He also became the first offensive player from Germany and second overall German player to score a touchdown.{{Cite web |date=21 September 2020 |title=Johnson erzielt als zweiter Deutscher einen Touchdown in der NFL |url=https://www.spiegel.de/sport/nfl-jakob-johnson-von-den-new-england-patriots-faengt-als-zweiter-deutscher-einen-touchdown-a-bd23dbd0-d5e2-4568-8af3-acb763812502 |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=Der Spiegel |language=de}} He appeared in all 16 games and started 11 in the 2020 season.{{Cite web |title=Jakob Johnson 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnJa12/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
On 25 March 2021, the Patriots re-signed Johnson to a one-year contract.{{cite news |title=Patriots Re-Sign RB James White and FB Jakob Johnson |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-re-sign-rb-james-white-and-fb-jakob-johnson |website=Patriots.com |date=25 March 2021 |access-date=25 March 2021}} He appeared in all 17 regular season games (started six) and the Patriots' playoff game against Buffalo.{{Cite web |title=Jakob Johnson 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnJa12/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
=Las Vegas Raiders=
Johnson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on 17 March 2022.{{Cite web |date=17 March 2022 |title=Raiders sign FB Jakob Johnson |url=https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-sign-fullback-jakob-johnson-nfl-2022-free-agency-offseason |access-date=20 March 2022 |website=Raiders.com}} In the 2022 season, he appeared in all 17 games and started nine for the Raiders. He contributed on offense and special teams.{{Cite web |title=Jakob Johnson 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnJa12/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
Johnson signed a one-year contract extension on 15 March 2023.{{Cite web |last=Mosher |first=Marcus |date=15 March 2023 |title=Raiders bring back FB Jakob Johnson on one-year deal |url=https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/15/raiders-bring-back-fb-jakob-johnson-on-one-year-deal/ |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=Raiders Wire |publisher=USA Today}} Johnson was released by the Raiders on 17 November 2023 and re-signed to the practice squad four days later.{{Cite web |last=Mosher |first=Marcus |date=17 November 2023 |title=Raiders release FB Jakob Johnson on Friday |url=https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/2023/11/17/raiders-release-fb-jakob-johnson-on-friday/ |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=Raiders Wire}}{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=Bill |date=21 November 203 |title=Raiders sign fullback Jakob Johnson to practice squad |url=https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2023/11/17/23965463/raiders-news-jakob-johnson-release-fullback |access-date=22 November 2023 |website=Silver and Black Pride}} He was signed to the active roster on 29 December.{{Cite web |last=Gossen |first=Rachel |date=29 December 2023 |title=Raiders sign FB Jakob Johnson to the active roster |url=https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-sign-fb-jakob-johnson-to-the-active-roster-nfl-transactions-2023 |access-date=29 December 2023 |website=Raiders.com}} In the 2023 season, he appeared in 13 games and started five. He split time on offense and special teams.{{Cite web |title=Jakob Johnson 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnJa12/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
= New York Giants =
On August 16, 2024, Johnson signed with the New York Giants.{{Cite web |last=Salomone |first=Dan |date=August 16, 2024 |title=Giants sign TE/FB Jakob Johnson, first International Pathway program participant to score a TD |url=https://www.giants.com/news/giants-sign-te-fb-jakob-johnson-first-international-pathway-program-participant-to-score-a-td |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Giants.com }} He was released on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Giants announce initial 53-man roster for 2024 |url=https://www.giants.com/news/giants-announce-53-man-roster-for-2024-season-nfl-transactions |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Giants.com}}{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Giants sign 15 players to practice squad |url=https://www.giants.com/news/giants-sign-15-players-to-practice-squad-miles-boykin-lawrence-cager-kj-cloyd-isaiah-hodgins-dante-miller |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Giants.com}} He was released on September 6, but re-signed to the active roster a few days later.{{cite web | last=Benton | first=Dan | title=Giants release fullback Jakob Johnson | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2024-09-01 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-release-fullback-jakob-johnson-094245034.html | access-date=2024-09-07}}{{cite web|title=Giants re-sign FB/TE Jakob Johnson to active roster|url=https://www.giants.com/news/giants-resign-fb-te-jakob-johnson-active-roster-moves-cade-mays-practice-squad-marcellus-johnson|website=Giants.com|date=September 10, 2024}} Joshson was released again on September 24 and re-signed back to the practice squad.{{cite web |last1=Benton |first1=Dan |title=Giants cut Jakob Johnson, sign Ty Summers to active roster |url=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2024/09/25/new-york-giants-waive-jakob-johnson-sign-joel-wilson-practice-squad/ |website=Giants Wire |access-date=25 September 2024}} He was released again from the practice squad on November 19.{{cite web |last1=Fennelly |first1=John |title=Giants sign OL Tyre Phillips, QB Tim Boyle to practice squad |url=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2024/11/20/new-york-giants-sign-tyre-phillips-tim-boyle-practice-squad/ |website=Giants Wire |access-date=20 November 2024}}
=Houston Texans=
NFL career statistics
=Regular season=
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|GP|Games played}} | {{abbr|GS|Games started}} | {{abbr|Rec|Receptions}} | {{abbr|Yds|Receiving yards}} | {{abbr|Y/R|Yards per reception}} | {{abbr|Lng|Longest reception}} | {{abbr|TD|Receiving touchdowns}} | {{abbr|Fum|Fumbles}} | {{abbr|Lost|Fumbles lost}} | |
| 2019 | NE
| 4 || 3 || 1 || 5 || 5.0 || 5|| 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2020 | NE
| 16 || 11 || 8 || 35 || 4.4 || 12 || 1 || 1 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2021 | NE
| 17 || 6 || 4 || 43 || 10.8 || 29 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2022 | LV
| 17 || 9 || 5 || 10 || 2.0 || 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2023 | LV
| 13 || 5 || 1 || 12 || 12.0 || 12 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||
| 2024 | NYG
| 3 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnJa12.htm Career] | 70 | 35 | 19 | 105 | 5.5 | 29 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Business career
In February 2022, Johnson publicly announced his investment in the American football club Stuttgart Surge and he is now a co-owner.{{Cite news |date=4 February 2022 |title=Das sagt Jakob Johnson zu seinem Einstieg bei den Stuttgart Surge |url=https://www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de/inhalt.american-football-das-sagt-jakob-johnson-zu-seinem-einstieg-bei-den-stuttgart-surge.b39d1baa-ea94-4de0-b2d0-8635cedb4063.html.65e29d8f-fbfc-48df-b9b6-3c35694e8d17.html |access-date=15 February 2022 |work=Stuttgarter Zeitung}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons}}
{{footballstats|espn=3115349}}
- [https://www.houstontexans.com/team/players-roster/jakob-johnson/ Houston Texans bio]
- [https://utsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=906 Tennessee Volunteers bio]
{{Authority control}}
{{Houston Texans roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Jakob}}
Category:American football fullbacks
Category:New England Patriots players
Category:Players of American football from Jacksonville, Florida
Category:Tennessee Volunteers football players
Category:German players of American football
Category:German people of African-American descent
Category:American people of German descent
Category:International Player Pathway participants
Category:German Football League players
Category:Expatriate players of American football
Category:German expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:Las Vegas Raiders players
Category:Sportspeople from Stuttgart