Former Washington Commanders All-Pro Tre' Johnson Dies at 54

The football player passed away suddenly and unexpectedly during a family trip, his wife Irene said.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Tre' Johnson, a former NFL offensive guard who played eight seasons for the Washington Commanders, has died at the age of 54. The team announced his passing on Sunday, with Johnson's wife Irene stating he died 'suddenly and unexpectedly' during a family trip. Johnson was a Pro Bowl selection in 1999 and had been working as a history teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland prior to his death.

Why it matters

Johnson was a respected player during his NFL career, making the Pro Bowl in 1999 as a member of the Washington Commanders. His sudden passing at a relatively young age has shocked the football community, and his work as a teacher mentoring young students will also be greatly missed.

The details

Tre' Johnson played eight seasons in the NFL from 1994 to 2001, spending the majority of his career with the Washington Commanders (then known as the Washington Redskins). He was a second-round draft pick in 1994 and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1999. After one final season with the Cleveland Browns in 2001, Johnson transitioned into a career 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.' Johnson's wife Irene said he had been battling recent health issues that forced him to take a leave of absence from teaching.

  • Tre' Johnson played in the NFL from 1994 to 2001.
  • He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1999.
  • Johnson passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, February 16, 2026 during a family trip.

The players

Tre' Johnson

A former NFL offensive guard who played eight seasons in the league, primarily for the Washington Commanders. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1999 and later worked as a history teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland.

Irene Johnson

Tre' Johnson's wife, who announced his sudden and unexpected passing on Sunday, February 16, 2026 during a family trip.

Washington Commanders

The NFL team formerly known as the Washington Redskins, for whom Tre' Johnson played offensive guard from 1994 to 2001.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Washington Commanders (X)

“Tre' died suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday during a family trip. We are devastated and in shock.”

— Irene Johnson, Tre' Johnson's wife (Facebook)

The takeaway

Tre' Johnson's sudden passing at the age of 54 has deeply impacted the football community, as well as the students and faculty at the Landon School where he worked as a beloved history teacher. His legacy as a Pro Bowl player and dedicated mentor will not be forgotten.