Former NFL Pro Bowl Guard Tre' Johnson Dead At 54

Johnson spent eight seasons with the Washington Commanders and was a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 1999.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Former NFL Pro Bowl guard Tre' Johnson has died at the age of 54. Johnson, who spent eight of his nine NFL seasons with the Washington Commanders, was selected as a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 1999. His wife, Irene, revealed that Johnson passed away suddenly and unexpectedly during a family trip on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Why it matters

Johnson was a beloved figure in the NFL community, known for his successful career with the Commanders and his dedication to his family. His sudden passing at a relatively young age has shocked many and highlights the fragility of life, especially for former professional athletes who may face long-term health challenges.

The details

According to his wife's Facebook post, Johnson had been dealing with recent health issues that had forced him to take a leave of absence from his job as a history teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland. Johnson was a first-team All-East selection during his collegiate career at Temple before being selected by the Commanders in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He went on to make 72 starts in 93 total appearances, including eight seasons with Washington and one with the Cleveland Browns.

  • Johnson passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Johnson was selected by the Commanders in the 1994 NFL Draft.

The players

Tre' Johnson

A former NFL Pro Bowl guard who spent eight seasons with the Washington Commanders, including being selected as a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 1999.

Irene Johnson

Tre' Johnson's wife, who revealed his sudden and unexpected passing in a Facebook post.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

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

“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 Johnson, Tre' Johnson's wife (Facebook)

What’s next

The cause of Tre' Johnson's death is still under investigation, and further details about his recent health issues and their impact on his life and career are expected to be released in the coming days and weeks.

The takeaway

Tre' Johnson's sudden passing at the age of 54 is a tragic loss for his family, the NFL community, and all those who knew and admired him. His dedication to his children and passion for life off the field are a testament to the kind of person he was, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who were touched by his life and career.