Eric Johnson

Former NFL Tight End, most notably for the San Francisco 49ers. Currently married to singer Jessica Simpson.[15]

What is Eric Johnson known for?

Eric Maxwell Johnson, born September 15, 1979, in Needham, Massachusetts, is a remarkable alumnus of Needham High School. Johnson's life journey took him from the athletic fields of Needham High to the renowned Ivy League school, Yale University. During his time at Yale, he excelled as a wide receiver, famously catching 21 passes for 244 yards in a significant game against Harvard, even securing the game-winning touchdown.

Johnson's athletic prowess led him to the National Football League (NFL), where he was drafted as a tight end by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2001 NFL Draft. Through his professional career, from 2001 to 2006, he played for the San Francisco 49ers, and in 2007, he briefly joined the New Orleans Saints. During his most productive season in 2004, Johnson led the 49ers with 82 catches for 825 yards and two touchdowns. Throughout his career, he recorded a total of 240 receptions, 2,178 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns.

However, not all was smooth sailing for Johnson. His career was punctuated with episodes of injury, which saw him miss the entire 2003 and 2005 seasons. Nonetheless, he remained a substantial contributor to the 49ers' passing game when healthy, demonstrating his resilience and tenacity both on and off the field.

Beyond the sports field, Johnson's personal life has also seen noteworthy moments. After a marriage to stylist Keri Johnson, which ended officially in 2010, Johnson began dating singer and actress Jessica Simpson in the same year. They were engaged by November that year, and by July 5, 2014, they were married at the picturesque San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, Santa Barbara County, California. The couple shares three children, further enriching Johnson's life journey.

In the course of his life, Johnson, a product of Needham High, has demonstrated remarkable achievements on both personal and professional fronts. From the football fields of Massachusetts to the NFL, and into a vibrant family life, he serves as an inspiration to all young individuals aspiring to make their mark in their chosen fields.