Wide receiver Diontae Johnson has experienced both remarkable highs and challenging lows throughout his NFL journey.
From his early days as a promising third-round pick with the Pittsburgh Steelers to his current status as a redemption-seeking player with the Cleveland Browns, Johnson remains a fascinating figure in professional football.
His story reflects the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where talent must be matched with consistency and character to achieve long-term success.
Diontae Johnson’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diontae Lamarcus Johnson |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1996 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Education | University of Toledo |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 183 lbs (83 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $42.7 million |
| Wife | Jessica Ingram |
| Instagram Profile | @juice5 |
| Twitter Profile | @Juiceup__3 |
Early Career
Diontae Johnson’s football journey began in Ruskin, Florida, where he attended Earl J. Lennard High School. Despite facing personal tragedy early in life with his mother Felicia Boyer passing away from breast cancer when he was just five years old, Johnson found strength and guidance from his father, Leo Johnson, who raised him as a single parent.
During his high school career, Johnson showcased his versatility by playing both wide receiver and quarterback positions, demonstrating the athletic ability that would eventually take him to the professional level.
At Lennard High School, Johnson caught the attention of college scouts with his impressive senior season performance, recording 35 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns as a wide receiver. His speed and agility also made him a threat on special teams, where he scored touchdowns on kickoff returns, punt returns, and even recorded an interception return for a touchdown.
His high school coach, Keith Chattin, played a crucial role in developing Johnson’s physical strength through an extensive weight training program, which helped compensate for the team’s lack of size and established the foundation for his future success.
Professional Career
Johnson’s collegiate career at the University of Toledo from 2015 to 2018 proved to be the launching pad for his professional aspirations. During his time with the Toledo Rockets, he accumulated impressive statistics that caught the attention of NFL scouts.
His sophomore year in 2017 stands out as particularly exceptional, with 74 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. Over his four-year college career, Johnson totaled 135 receptions for 2,235 yards and 23 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most productive receivers in the Mid-American Conference.
The Pittsburgh Steelers recognized Johnson’s potential and selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 66th overall pick. His professional career got off to a promising start, earning NFL All-Pro Second Team honors as a punt returner in his rookie season while also contributing significantly as a receiver.
Johnson’s best professional season came in 2021 when he recorded career highs with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
However, his career trajectory took a dramatic turn in 2024 when he played for four different teams in a single season, facing trades, suspensions, and releases that raised questions about his character and commitment to team success.
Wife
Diontae Johnson married Jessica Ingram in June 2013, and their relationship has been a source of stability throughout his turbulent professional career.
The couple first met during Johnson’s time at Ohio State University, where he was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Their initial meeting included a memorable incident involving pepper spray, which became an inside joke between them and marked the beginning of their lasting relationship.
Jessica has consistently supported both his football career and his entrepreneurial ventures, maintaining a private profile while being a constant presence in his life.
Together, Diontae and Jessica have four children: Diontae J. Johnson Jr. (born in 2014), twins Aarin E. Johnson and Amari C. Johnson (both born in 2016), and Jamir M. Johnson (born in 2019).
Family remains a central part of Johnson’s life, and he often credits his father Leo and his wife Jessica for providing the emotional support needed to navigate the challenges of professional football.
Despite the public nature of his career, the couple has maintained privacy about their personal lives, rarely sharing details about their marriage or family activities on social media.
Diontae Johnson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Diontae Johnson’s net worth is estimated at $10 million.
Contract
Johnson’s current contract with the Cleveland Browns represents a significant departure from his previous lucrative deals. The one-year agreement is worth $1.17 million, which represents the veteran minimum salary for a player with his experience level.
This contract contains no guaranteed money, making it a zero-risk proposition for the Browns while giving Johnson an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and market value. The deal allows Cleveland to release him at any time without financial penalty, placing the pressure squarely on Johnson to prove his worth both on and off the field.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Johnson will earn a base salary of $1.17 million with a salary cap hit of $1.03 million for the Browns. This represents a dramatic decrease from his previous contracts, particularly when compared to the two-year, $36.71 million extension he signed with Pittsburgh in 2022.
The contract structure reflects the NFL’s assessment of Johnson’s current market value, which has been significantly impacted by his controversial 2024 season. His salary places him among the lower-paid wide receivers in the league, but it also provides him with a platform to demonstrate that he can still contribute at a high level.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $495,000 | $1,133,428 | $1,628,428 |
| 2020 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $689,589 | – | $689,589 |
| 2021 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $884,178 | – | $884,178 |
| 2022 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $1,500,000 | $17,500,000 | $19,001,180 |
| 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $8,000,000 | – | $10,500,000 |
| 2024 | Multiple Teams | $7,000,000 | – | $10,000,000 |
| 2025 | Cleveland Browns | $1,170,000 | – | $1,170,000 |
| Total | $42,873,375 |
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | Average | Touchdowns | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 16 | 59 | 680 | 11.5 | 5 | 45 |
| 2020 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 15 | 88 | 923 | 10.5 | 7 | 47 |
| 2021 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 16 | 107 | 1,161 | 10.9 | 8 | 50 |
| 2022 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 17 | 86 | 882 | 10.3 | 0 | 37 |
| 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 14 | 51 | 717 | 14.1 | 5 | 71 |
| 2024 | Multiple Teams | 12 | 33 | 375 | 11.4 | 3 | 39 |
| Career | 90 | 424 | 4,738 | 11.2 | 28 | 71 |
FAQs
1. What happened to Diontae Johnson with the Ravens?
Johnson was suspended by the Baltimore Ravens for one game in December after refusing to enter the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was frustrated with his limited role on the team and declined to play when called upon after Rashod Bateman was injured. The Ravens subsequently waived him following this incident, citing conduct detrimental to the team.
2. How many teams has Diontae Johnson played for?
Johnson has played for five NFL teams throughout his career: the Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-2024), Carolina Panthers (2024), Baltimore Ravens (2024), Houston Texans (2024), and currently the Cleveland Browns (2025). His 2024 season was particularly turbulent, as he played for four different teams in a single year.
3. What is Diontae Johnson’s relationship status?
Johnson has been married to Jessica Ingram since June 2013. The couple met during his time at Ohio State University and have four children together. Jessica has been a constant source of support throughout his career, maintaining a private profile while standing by him during both successful and challenging times.
4. Why did Johnson’s career earnings drop so significantly?
His career earnings took a dramatic hit due to his controversial behavior in 2024, which led to multiple team changes and ultimately resulted in his current contract with Cleveland being worth only $1.17 million with no guaranteed money. This represents a massive decrease from his previous $36.71 million extension with Pittsburgh.
5. What are Johnson’s career highlights and achievements?
Johnson’s career highlights include being selected to the Pro Bowl, earning NFL All-Pro Second Team honors as a punt returner, and recording his best statistical season with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. He has accumulated over 4,700 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns throughout his six-year NFL career.
