Ex-NFL star Tre’ Johnson dies ‘suddenly and unexpectedly’ aged 54 while on family vacation

Tre' Johnson has passed away at the age of 54, his wife has confirmed in a social media post shared to Facebook yesterday (February 15).

Johnson is best known for playing for the Washington Commanders, formally known as the Washington Redskins, for eight seasons between 1994 through to 2001.

He played offensive guard and had a brief stint at the Cleveland Browns before returning to Washington in 2002.

After retiring from the NFL, Johnson became a history teacher in the Washington DC area.

Now both his students and football fans are mourning the loss of Johnson following his sudden passing.

Irene Johnson, the late football star's wife, announced the news online, writing: "It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my husband, Tre' Johnson, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday February 15, 2026, during a brief family trip. His four children, Chloe, EJ, EZ and Eden, extended family, friends, and I are devastated and in shock."

Tre' Johnson became a teacher after retiring from the NFL (John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

She continued: "If you know Tre' you know what a devoted and loving father, he was to his children. 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."

Irene went on to discuss Johnson's NFL career and said that he 'loved the game and prided himself on his tremendous knowledge of it'.

Going on to note his time working in education, Irene said: "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," she concluded the statement.

Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — where Johnson had studied — has also paid its respects to Johnson in the wake of his death and described him as 'one of the finest offensive linemen in the history of Temple football'.

Johnson was named to the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Washington Commanders have also addressed Johnson's passing. The football team said on Twitter: "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."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].