Former NFL Pro Bowl guard Tre’ Johnson has died “suddenly and unexpectedly” at the age of 54 while on a family trip, according to a statement from his wife, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Johnson, who played for Washington and the Cleveland Browns during his professional football career, died Sunday, February 15, 2026. His wife, Irene Johnson, shared the news in a post on Facebook.
Former NFL offensive guard Tre’ Johnson has died at the age of 54, the Washington Commanders announced on Sunday.
Read more: https://t.co/D8yJAgt4Ig [2] pic.twitter.com/GCv51xYgFP [3]
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) February 16, 2026 [4]
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my husband, Tre’ Johnson, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, February 15, 2026, during a brief family trip,” she wrote.
“His four children, Chloe, EJ, EZ, and Eden, extended family, friends, and I are devastated and in shock. We will miss him so much.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Irene Johnson said her husband had been battling health issues prior to his passing.
Johnson built a reputation as a dependable offensive lineman during his NFL career. After playing college football at Temple University, he was selected by Washington in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft.
He played for Washington from 1994 through 2000 before spending the 2001 season with the Cleveland Browns. Johnson returned to Washington for the 2002 season, which marked the final year of his professional career.
During his time with Washington, Johnson was recognized for his performance on the offensive line. Irene Johnson said he was known for his “durability and strength” throughout his career with the team.
The 6-foot-2, 328-pound guard earned Pro Bowl honors in 1999.
Following his retirement from football, Johnson transitioned into education.
He became a history teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, a private school located just outside Washington, D.C. According to his wife, he had recently been forced to take a leave of absence.
In addition to his work as an educator, Irene Johnson described him as a “devoted father.” She also noted that he had a love for French bulldogs and motorbikes.
The Washington Commanders issued a public statement following news of his death.
“We’re heartbroken to learn of the loss of former Washington All-Pro guard Tre’ Johnson,” the team wrote on X. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
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. pic.twitter.com/6Iak2dhYwk [5]
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 16, 2026 [6]
Johnson is survived by his wife and their four children: Chloe, EJ, EZ, and Eden. No further details about memorial arrangements have been announced.