Former NFL Pro Bowler Tre' Johnson Dies at 54

The offensive lineman played nine seasons in the NFL and was a one-time Pro Bowl selection.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Tre' Johnson, a former NFL offensive lineman who was selected to one Pro Bowl over the course of his nine-year career, has died unexpectedly during a family trip at the age of 54, according to his wife Irene.

Why it matters

Johnson was a standout player during his NFL career, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1999 and making the Second Team All-Pro. After retiring from the league, he became a high school history teacher, making his sudden passing at a young age particularly tragic for his family, friends, and former teammates.

The details

A New York native, Johnson was drafted in the second round by the Washington Redskins in 1994 and played 14 games as a rookie. He was later moved from tackle to guard, a position he played for the rest of his career, which included two stints with the Redskins and a brief three-game stint with the Cleveland Browns.

  • Tre' Johnson died unexpectedly during a family trip on February 16, 2026.

The players

Tre' Johnson

A former NFL offensive lineman who played nine seasons in the league, earning one Pro Bowl selection in 1999 and making the Second Team All-Pro. After retiring from the NFL, he became a high school history teacher.

Irene Johnson

Tre' Johnson's wife, who announced his sudden and unexpected passing during a family trip on Facebook.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my husband, Tre' Johnson, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly ... 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)

The takeaway

The sudden passing of Tre' Johnson, a former NFL Pro Bowler who transitioned to a career in education after his playing days, is a tragic loss for his family, friends, and the broader football community. His unexpected death at the age of 54 serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.