Where are they now? Tre’ Johnson Edition

Periodically we’ll highlight a Redskin that we all loved at one time for one reason or another. They’re guys that you might say “What the hell ever happened to that dude?” when their name is mentioned.

Big Tre’ Johnson was drafted out of powerhouse Temple University in the second round of the 1994 draft. Johnson was easily the best pick out of that class (that will live in infamy) that included the likes of now politician Heath Shuler, Gus Frerotte (did anybody else find it funny when he signed with the RAMS), Dexter Nottage and Tydus Winans. Johnson was a house at the time, weighing in at 324 lbs (supposedly) at only 6’2” and was a stud run blocker (with some killer hair too). Tre’ started 74 games over eight years for the burgundy and gold and became a fan favorite after an altercation in the 1999 playoffs against the Detroit Lions. If you all don’t remember (and I certainly do because it’s the only playoff game ever played at FedEx), Brad Johnson was dealt a late hit in the third quarter by then-terror Robert Porcher, and responded by slamming the 6’3”, 275 lb defensive end to the turf WWE-style (or should I say WWF). A nasty pileup ensued and Johnson jumped into the fray to defend his quarterback. He tried to land a few punches and grazed referee Bill Leavy in the process. Johnson was tossed, given a then-record $50,000 fine and suspended for the 2000 season opener. The Skins carried the momentum from the fight to the victory. The Lions blew one of their few playoff appearances since their last championship in 1957, and Porcher is still a douchebag for it.

Johnson's Landon School Picture

Johnson made the Pro Bowl that season, but his play tailed off until he was released in 2001. After a brief stint with Cleveland, he was resigned for a brief period in 2002, but didn’t manage to stick with the team beyond that season. Johnson seems to have stepped way out of the limelight with his retirement following the 2002 season. He currently teaches history at Landon School in Bethesda, and there’s no information as to whether he coaches at all. Glad to see that a guy with his kind of game can pass his toughness onto the children. Wherever you are Tre’ (in suburban Maryland I suppose), we miss seeing you maul guys off the snap, paving the way for Stephen Davis and Terry Allen. Give us a shout if you come across this!