Nazeeh Johnson has become a notable name in the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive lineup despite being a late-round draft pick. A versatile cornerback with a knack for tackling, Johnson’s journey from college walk-on to two-time Super Bowl champion reflects his determination and adaptability.
This article dives into his personal life, career milestones, financial standing, and on-field performance.
Nazeeh Johnson’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Nazeeh Johnson |
| Born | July 17, 1998 (Age 26) |
| Birthplace | Martinsburg, West Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 199 lbs (90 kg) |
| College | Marshall University |
| NFL Draft | 2022, Round 7, Pick 259 (Chiefs) |
| Position | Cornerback |
| Current Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Relationship Status | Private (No public information) |
| @nazeehjohnson (career highlights) |
Early Career
Nazeeh Johnson’s football journey began as a classic underdog story. Coming out of high school in Martinsburg, West Virginia, he wasn’t ranked by major recruiting platforms like 247Sports and received zero scholarship offers. Undeterred, Johnson walked onto Marshall University’s team in 2016 as a safety, betting on his raw talent and work ethic.
After redshirting his freshman year, he earned playing time in 2017 and 2018, gradually proving himself as a defensive playmaker.
By 2019, he became a full-time starter, anchoring Marshall’s secondary for three straight seasons. Over 43 career college games, he piled up 302 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 19 pass deflections, earning All-Conference USA honors twice (2019, 2020) and an honorable mention in 2021.
Johnson’s breakout moment came at Marshall’s 2022 Pro Day. He silenced skeptics by clocking a 4.36-second 40-yard dash (faster than many NFL receivers) and leaping a 42-inch vertical – numbers that rivaled top draft prospects. Despite playing safety in college, scouts noted his agility and tackling precision, traits that later convinced the Chiefs to draft him as a cornerback.
His college success wasn’t just stats-driven. As a walk-on, Johnson developed a relentless mindset, often staying late to study film or refine techniques. This grind laid the foundation for his NFL transition, where he’d need to reinvent himself as a boundary cornerback.
Professional Career
Nazeeh Johnson’s NFL journey began with a classic underdog twist. Drafted 259th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022—the fifth-to-last pick—he initially landed on the practice squad. But by Week 4 of his rookie season, injuries opened a door, and Johnson seized his shot.
Though his stats were modest (8 tackles in 11 games), he earned a Super Bowl LVII ring as the Chiefs edged the Eagles 38–35. His role? A special teams contributor and depth cornerback learning behind stars like L’Jarius Sneed.
The 2023 season brought a harsh setback: a torn ACL during training camp sidelined him for the entire year. Critics wondered if the late-round pick would fade, but Johnson attacked rehab relentlessly.
By 2024, he returned with a vengeance, starting 16 games and racking up 53 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 pass deflections. His breakout came in a Week 10 thriller against Denver, where he logged a career-high 9 tackles and a crucial third-down stop to preserve a 16–14 win.
Johnson’s adaptability defined his rise. A college safety at Marshall, he transitioned to NFL cornerback—a shift requiring sharper footwork and man-coverage skills. Coaches praised his 4.36-speed and 42-inch vertical (tested at his 2022 Pro Day) for neutralizing taller receivers. Though not a household name, his reliability in zone coverage and sure tackling made him a glue piece for Kansas City’s back-to-back Super Bowl runs (LVII and LIX).
Financially, Johnson’s career reflects his draft pedigree. His rookie contract (4 years, $3.7 million) paid just $77k guaranteed. After re-signing for $985k in 2024, he’s poised for a raise as a restricted free agent in 2025. While lacking flashy endorsements, his grit resonates: from practice squad to starting CB, Johnson embodies the Chiefs’ “next man up” ethos.
Nazeeh Johnson’s Net Worth Details
Nazeeh Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025.
Contract Details
Nazeeh Johnson’s contract journey reflects his late-round draft status and subsequent rise as a key contributor. Here’s a breakdown of his NFL deals and financial trajectory:
- Terms: 1 year, $985,000
- Base Salary: $985,000
- Status: Restricted free agent (RFA) in 2025, allowing the Chiefs to match external offers.
Salary
Nazeeh Johnson earned a base salary of $985,000 in 2024 under a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. This marked his first full season as a starter, with incentives tied to playing time and performance bonuses not publicly disclosed.
Career Earnings
Nazeeh Johnson has earned $2,089,012 over his first three NFL seasons (2022–2024), combining base salaries, signing bonuses, and incentives. Below is the year-by-year breakdown:
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
| 2022 | $587,500 | $77,012 | $664,512 |
| 2023 | $475,000 | – | $475,000 |
| 2024 | $915,000 | – | $915,000 |
| Total | $1,977,500 | $77,012 | $2,054,512 |
Key Details
- 2022 Draft Bonus: Received a $77,012 signing bonus as part of his rookie contract.
- 2023 Injury: Earned $475,000 despite missing the season with a torn ACL.
- 2024 Resurgence: Secured a $915,000 salary after returning to form as a starter.
While OverTheCap reports total career earnings at $2,089,012, minor discrepancies arise from unpublicized incentives or adjustments. Johnson’s earnings reflect his seventh-round draft status and resilience through injury.
Career Stats
Nazeeh Johnson’s NFL career stats reflect his growth from a special teams contributor to a starting cornerback.
Below is a detailed breakdown of his performance through the 2024 season:
Regular Season Defense
| Season | Games Played | Tackles (Total) | Tackles (Solo) | Tackles (Assisted) | Sacks | Pass Deflections |
| 2022 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 16 | 56 | 33 | 23 | 1.0 | 3 |
| Career | 27 | 60 | 37 | 23 | 1.0 | 3 |
Key Highlights
- 2024 Breakout: Started 6 games, setting career highs in tackles (56 total), solo tackles (33), and snaps played (431). Recorded his first career sack in Week 10 against Denver.
- Versatility: Transitioned from college safety to NFL cornerback, contributing in both coverage and run defense.
- Super Bowl Impact: Played rotational roles in Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVII (2023) and LIX (2025) victories, though stats were limited.
FAQs
1. What position does Nazeeh Johnson play in the NFL?
Nazeeh Johnson is a safety for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was drafted in the seventh round (259th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Standing at 5’10” and 199 pounds, Johnson contributes to the Chiefs’ defense with his tackling and coverage skills.
2. Where did Nazeeh Johnson play college football?
Johnson played college football at Marshall University as a walk-on. Over four seasons, he recorded 302 tackles, seven interceptions, 19 passes defended, and one defensive touchdown. Despite being an unranked high school recruit, he became a key starter for the Herd.
3. How many Super Bowls has Nazeeh Johnson won?
Johnson has two Super Bowl rings. He was part of the Chiefs’ victories in Super Bowl LVII (2022 season) and Super Bowl LVIII (2023 season). Though he missed the 2023 season due to injury, he remained on the roster during both championship runs.
4. What injury did Nazeeh Johnson suffer in 2023?
Johnson tore his ACL during training camp in July 2023, ending his season. He was placed on injured reserve but remained with the Chiefs, earning his second Super Bowl ring despite not playing.
5. What are Nazeeh Johnson’s 2024 NFL season stats?
In the 2024 regular season, Johnson recorded 56 tackles (33 solo), 1.0 sack, and three pass deflections across 16 games. He started six games, showcasing his versatility in the secondary during critical moments.
6. What is Nazeeh Johnson’s current contract status?
Johnson signed a one-year, $705,000 contract with the Chiefs in September 2022. After becoming a restricted free agent in 2024, he re-signed with Kansas City to continue his career with the team.
7. What role is Nazeeh Johnson expected to play?
With L’Jarius Sneed’s departure, Johnson is competing for a rotational role in the Chiefs’ secondary. His speed and tackling ability could earn him snaps as a backup safety or special teams contributor during the 2024 season.
8. Where did Nazeeh Johnson grow up?
Johnson was born and raised in Martinsburg, West Virginia. He attended local high schools before walking on at Marshall University, where he developed into an NFL-caliber player.
9. Does Nazeeh Johnson have a social media presence?
Yes, Johnson shares career highlights and personal updates on his Instagram account (@nazeehjohnson). Fans can follow him for insights into his NFL journey and off-field life.
10. What are Nazeeh Johnson’s career highlights?
Key highlights include his 302 collegiate tackles, two Super Bowl wins, and a 10-tackle game against the Broncos in 2024. His resilience after an ACL injury and contributions to Kansas City’s defense underscore his determination.
