The NFL journeyman who played for 14 teams and learned names via Madden
In short: Josh Johnson holds the distinction of being one of the most traveled quarterbacks in professional football history. Over a career spanning more than a decade, he has been a member of 14 different NFL teams, often stepping into high-pressure roles with almost no preparation time or familiarity with his new teammates.
Born in Oakland in 1986, Josh Johnson first made his mark at the University of San Diego. Under coach Jim Harbaugh, he became a standout FCS athlete, setting the NCAA Division I record for career passer efficiency at 176.68. His collegiate success, highlighted by a school-record 43 touchdown passes in his senior season, earned him a fifth-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2008 NFL draft.
Johnson's professional journey is defined by his role as a reliable, if transient, backup. His career has been a whirlwind of signings, releases, and emergency call-ups. He has spent time with the Buccaneers, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Cincinnati Bengals, among others. In 2014, his tenure with the 49ers became so fluid that he was repeatedly signed and released simply to provide the team with a flexible roster spot.
The logistical challenges of his career are best illustrated by his 2018 stint with the Washington Redskins. After being signed mid-season to replace injured starters, Johnson famously admitted to playing the Madden NFL video game to help memorize the names of his new teammates. Despite the lack of continuity, he managed to secure his first career win as an NFL starter that same year, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars. His career also includes brief forays into alternative leagues like the UFL and XFL, underscoring a persistent dedication to the game despite the instability of his professional path.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Josh Johnson (quarterback)
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