Former NFL offensive lineman Tre’ Johnson, who played with the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Browns, died on Feb. 15 at age 54.
Tre’ Johnson died “suddenly and unexpectedly” during a brief family trip, his wife, Irene, announced in a Facebook post.
“If you know Tre‘ you know what a devoted and loving father, he was to his children,” his wife wrote. “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.”
The All-Pro guard retired from the NFL following the 2002 season at that age of 31, and went on to become a high school history teacher.
“After retirement, he also found his second career passion, education,” Irene Johnson said. “He worked as a History Teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda Maryland, where he was beloved by the young male students he mentored and the faculty.
“His recent battles with health issues forced him to take a leave of absence. We will miss him so much.”
The Commanders paid tribute to Tre’ Johnson in a social media post of their own, sharing a photo of him in team uniform and expressing their sorrow in learning the news.
“We’re heartbroken to learn of the loss of former Washington All-Pro guard Tre' Johnson,” the team captioned the photo.
Born Edward Stanton Johnson III but primarily known as Tre', Johnson began his football career as a standout star from Temple University, before being drafted as a second round, 31st overall pick by Washington in 1994.
“Temple University is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former Owl football star Tre‘ Johnson,” the school wrote in a statement. “As one of the finest offensive linemen in the history of Temple football, Tre’ Johnson, who played for the Owls from 1989-93, was a three-time All-Big East selection.”
“He earned third team All-American honors as a senior,” the statement continued. “He was a finalist for The Lombardi Award and played in the 1993 Senior Bowl.”
Tre’ Johnson played with the Commanders, called the Washington Redskins at the time, for eight seasons between 1994 and 2001, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1999.
“He was known for his durability and strength during his time in Washington,” Irene Johnson wrote. “He loved the game and prided himself on his tremendous knowledge of it.”
In 2001, the 6-foot-2, 328-pound guard played briefly with the Cleveland Browns, before returning to Washington for a final season the following year.
Tre’ Johnson played 93 regular-season games over the course of his career, starting in 72 of them.
Along with his wife, he is survived by four children, Chloe, EJ, EZ and Eden, as well as extended family and friends.
