Former Redskins Guard Tre' Johnson Dies at 54 During Family Trip

Johnson was a Pro Bowler in 1999 and spent 8 seasons with Washington before retiring in 2002.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Washington Redskins guard Tre' Johnson died 'suddenly and unexpectedly' on Sunday during a family trip. The 1999 Pro Bowler was 54 years old. Johnson played for the Redskins from 1994 to 2001 and also spent one season with the Cleveland Browns before retiring in 2002.

Why it matters

Johnson was a beloved figure in the Washington football community, having played for the Redskins for nearly a decade and later working as a history teacher at a local school. His sudden passing at a young age is a tragic loss for his family, former teammates, and the broader Washington sports community.

The details

Washington drafted Johnson in the second round of the 1994 NFL draft. He played in 93 games across his 8-year career, including 72 starts. After retiring from the NFL, Johnson remained in the Washington region and worked as a history teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland. He recently took a leave of absence from teaching due to health issues.

  • Johnson died suddenly on Sunday, February 16, 2026 during a family trip.
  • Johnson played for the Washington Redskins from 1994 to 2001 and spent one season with the Cleveland Browns in 2002 before retiring.

The players

Tre' Johnson

A former NFL guard who played 8 seasons for the Washington Redskins and 1 season for the Cleveland Browns before retiring in 2002. He was a Pro Bowler in 1999.

Washington Redskins

The NFL team that drafted Tre' Johnson in the 2nd round in 1994 and for whom he played from 1994 to 2001.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL team that Tre' Johnson played for in 2002, his final season before retiring.

Landon School

The school in Bethesda, Maryland where Tre' Johnson worked as a history teacher after retiring from the NFL.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (Washington Commanders)

“If you know Tre', you know what a devoted and loving father he was to his children. Tre' lived for his kids and supported them through every practice and game until he took his last breath.”

— Irene Johnson, Tre' Johnson's Wife (Social Media)

The takeaway

Tre' Johnson's sudden passing at the age of 54 is a tragic loss for the Washington football community, where he was beloved as both a player and a teacher. His devotion to his family and students is a testament to the kind of person he was off the field, and his legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.