Ryan YoungStaff writerMon, February 16, 2026 at 3:23 AM UTC·2 min readFormer Washington Commanders offensive lineman Tre’ Johnson died on Sunday, the team announced.
He was 54.
Further specifics are not yet known, though Johnson’s wife shared on social media that he had died “suddenly and unexpectedly” during a family trip after recent health issues.
“If you know Tre' you know what a devoted and loving father he was to his children,” his wife, Irene, wrote in part. “Tre' lived for his kid’s sports activities and supported them through every practice and game until he took his last breath. He shared his passion for Frenchie’s and riding his motorcycle with me and his fellow biking buddies.”
Johnson spent most of his NFL career in Washington after the franchise selected him with the No. 31 overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft out of Temple. He was a staple in the team’s offensive line for years, and he earned his one and only Pro Bowl nod during the 1999 campaign. The team went 10-6 that season and made the playoffs.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJohnson spent one season away from the team in 2001, when he joined the Cleveland Browns, but he appeared in only three games after a right knee injury. He rejoined Washington for one final season in 2002. In total, Johnson appeared in 93 games throughout his nine-year NFL career.
Johnson spent time as a history teacher in the Washington, D.C., area in retirement. His wife, Irene, also worked as a photographer for multiple area news organizations. The couple had four children together.
AdvertisementAdvertisement