Former Standout NFL Offensive Lineman Dies During Family Trip

Tre' Johnson, a Pro Bowl selection in 1999, was 54 years old.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tre' Johnson, a former Pro Bowl offensive lineman who spent most of his 9-year NFL career with the Washington Commanders, has died suddenly and unexpectedly during a family trip, according to his wife Irene. Johnson, who was 54, had been working as a high school history teacher in Bethesda, Maryland after retiring from the NFL.

Why it matters

Johnson was a standout player during his NFL career, making the Pro Bowl in 1999 while with the Commanders. His sudden passing at a relatively young age is tragic, and his death has left his family, friends, and community in shock.

The details

According to reports, Johnson died during a brief family trip, though the cause of death was not revealed. His wife Irene said in a Facebook post that Johnson's four children, as well as his extended family and friends, are "devastated and in shock" over his passing. Johnson spent all but one of his 9 NFL seasons with the Commanders, being drafted by the team in 1994 and playing there until 2000. He spent the 2001 season with the Cleveland Browns before returning to Washington in 2002 to finish his career.

  • Tre' Johnson died during a family trip in February 2026.
  • Johnson was drafted by the Washington Commanders in 1994 and played for the team until 2000.

The players

Tre' Johnson

A former Pro Bowl offensive lineman who spent most of his 9-year NFL career with the Washington Commanders, and later became a high school history teacher in Bethesda, Maryland.

Irene Johnson

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

Washington Commanders

The NFL team that Tre' Johnson played for during most of his professional career, drafting him in 1994 and having him on the roster until 2000.

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 standout NFL player who went on to become a high school teacher, has left his family, friends, and community in mourning. This tragic loss highlights the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.