Collin Johnson

BIOGRAPHY

Collin Johnson, born on September 23, 1997, is a professional American football player. An accomplished wide receiver now playing for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL), his career has spanned several years and multiple teams. Collin’s football journey is interwoven with family ties, personal growth, and a relentless pursuit of sporting excellence.

Growing up as the son of College Football Hall of Fame cornerback Johnnie Johnson, Collin had football in his blood. He and his older brother Kirk grew up honing their skills, both exceeding expectations with their performance on the field. Collin’s formal education took place at Valley Christian in San Jose, where he first showcased his budding talent.

However, his athletic journey was far from smooth. He faced significant injuries during his sophomore and senior seasons at Valley Christian that hindered his performance. Despite these setbacks, he still managed to surge past 1,100 yards as a senior. His perseverance and raw talent attracted the attention of college scouts, earning him scholarship offers from numerous universities. Collin committed to the University of Texas in 2014, joining Kirk who had committed a year prior.

In Texas, he demonstrated a remarkable ability to bounce back. As a freshman, he played in every game, and in his sophomore year, he started nine games, securing 54 catches. Furthermore, in his junior season, he surpassed his personal record by covering 191 yards against USC. Although he experienced a brief setback against Oklahoma, which resulted in him being replaced by Dorian Leonard, he embraced the challenge positively, leading to personal growth and improvement.

His senior year witnessed an enhanced performance level, as recognized by his coach, Tom Herman. Collin also made it to the prestigious Walter Camp Award, Wuerffel Award, and Biletnikoff Award preseason watchlists. Overcoming minor injuries during his tenure, he attained the record for receiving yards in the 2018 Big 12 Championship Game. His athletic prowess was further complemented by his increased skills in blocking.

Collin’s professional breakthrough came when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft. The big leagues provided him an ample platform to showcase his skills against the best in the country. Throughout his time with the Jaguars, Collin endeared himself to fans and critics alike with his athletic acrobatics.

Throughout the 2020 season, he made significant contributions. His performance in Week 5 against the Houston Texans, where he recorded his first career touchdown, stood out. This upward trend continued into Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, where he demonstrated his reliability as a wide receiver by scoring his second touchdown of the year.

After being placed on injured reserve in January 2021 due to injury, Collin was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars in August 2021. A day later, the New York Giants claimed him off waivers, providing him a new opportunity. However, an unfortunate torn Achilles injury resulted in him being placed on injured reserve in 2022, leading to his release the following year.

Undeterred, Collin signed to the practice squad of the Chicago Bears in October 2023. After working hard to refine his skills, he was signed to the active roster in January 2024. Later, in August 2024, even after facing a waiver, he returned to the Bears’ practice squad, highlighting his dedication and resilience.

Collin’s personal life mirrors his commitment on the field. His relationship with his high school sweetheart, Sara Machado, displays his consistency and dedication. Collin proposed to Sara on June 26, 2020, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Throughout his life and career, Collin Johnson has established himself as a dedicated athlete. He upholds a legacy of football excellence passed down from his father and brother, while leaving his own distinctive mark on the football landscape. Despite various setbacks, he has continued to maintain an unwavering commitment to his sport and ushered in a renewed determination to succeed.