Former Washington Lineman Tre' Johnson Dies Suddenly

Johnson, 54, was a professor at a Maryland high school after his NFL career.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Tre' Johnson, a former standout offensive lineman for the Washington NFL team who later became a history professor at a Maryland high school, died on Sunday. He was 54 years old.

Why it matters

Johnson's sudden passing at a relatively young age is tragic news for his family, friends, students, and the broader football and education communities he was a part of. His career path from professional athlete to high school teacher highlights the diverse post-playing careers many NFL players pursue.

The details

After a successful NFL career with Washington from 1994 to 2003, Johnson transitioned to education, teaching history at a high school in Maryland. The cause of his sudden death on Sunday has not been disclosed.

  • Johnson died on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Tre' Johnson

A former offensive lineman who played for the Washington NFL team from 1994 to 2003, and later became a history professor at a high school in Maryland.

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The takeaway

Johnson's transition from professional football to high school teaching highlights the diverse career paths many athletes pursue after their playing days are over, and his sudden passing at a young age is a tragic loss for his family, students, and communities.