Duke Johnson

Duke Johnson's Biography

Randy “Duke” Johnson Jr. is a well-known figure in the American football community. Born on September 23, 1993, in Miami Gardens, Florida, Johnson’s journey in football started early on in his life. He attended Miami Norland Senior High School, where he demonstrated exceptional athletic abilities not just in football, but track and field as well. As a sophomore in high school, he recorded stunning statistics, running for 1,540 yards and amassing 25 touchdowns. Johnson continued to shine throughout his high school career, with a noteworthy senior year where he had 1,957 rushing yards, contributing to a championship run for the school team.

Both in and out of football, Johnson exhibited remarkable athletic prowess. On the school’s track & field team, he stood out as both a sprinter and long jumper, earning notable rankings in several local and national events. His success in football led him to be identified by Rivals.com as the best all-purpose running back recruit.

Johnson’s journey took him to the college football program at the University of Miami. His freshman season was remarkable as he recorded impressive stats for rushing, receptions, and touchdowns. Over his entire college football career, Johnson proved to be a formidable offensive opponent on the field, even earning the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards in 2012.

However, his college football career wasn’t all smooth sailing. In the 2013 season, Johnson faced a significant setback when he broke his ankle during a game against the Florida State. Following a successful rehabilitation, he was back on the field in full strength by 2014 and ended up becoming the Hurricanes’ all-time rushing yards leader.

In December 2014, Johnson made the decision to enter the 2015 NFL draft. His performances at the NFL Scouting Combine and Miami’s pro day caught the eyes of scouts and team representatives, and he was predicted to be a second-round pick.

The Cleveland Browns picked Johnson in the third round of the draft, and he soon made his mark in his rookie season, despite injury setbacks in training. The season ended with him amassing 379 rushing yards and 534 receiving yards, and his 61 receptions were the second-most by a Browns rookie.

Throughout his time with the Browns, Johnson’s role on the team continued to evolve. Even after head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer were let go, Johnson remained a vital part of the team’s offense.

In 2018, Johnson signed a contract extension with the Browns. However, the landscape changed when he was traded to the Houston Texans in 2019. His stint at the Texans yielded impressive results as he made significant contributions to the team.

Despite the pandemic-stricken 2020 season, Johnson managed to showcase his skills on the field in the 11 games that he played. 2021 brought a shift as Johnson was released by the Texans, signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad, released again, then signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad and eventually, the Dolphins’ active roster, where he managed to rush for a career-high in a game against the Jets.

2022 saw another shift for Johnson, as he was signed by the Bills before getting released and subsequently signed to the practice squad. However, his journey in NFL came to an end when his practice squad contract expired in 2023.

After an inspiring eight-season career, Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL in 2024. He left behind a significant legacy as a professional football running back, showcasing his skill, dedication, and resilience across various teams in the NFL. Off the field, Johnson shares a familial bond with the world for professional sports, being the cousin of professional basketball player Dewan Hernandez. Throughout his career, Randy “Duke” Johnson Jr. exemplified the persistent spirit of a true sportsman, leaving an enduring mark on the National Football League.