Xavier Johnson’s Bengals Dream Becomes Reality
CINCINNATI – For Xavier Johnson, the journey to the Cincinnati Bengals has been a long and fulfilling road. As a child, he would often drive past Paul Brown Stadium, envisioning what it would be like to don the team’s colors. On Wednesday morning, that dream materialized as he officially joined the Bengals’ practice squad, just two days after the team waived 2024 third-round pick Jermaine Burton.
“It’s definitely surreal,” Johnson reflected after completing his first walk-through practice with the team. “The opportunity is a blessing. Just to be in the NFL, let alone play for the team you grew up cheering on.”
A Nod to His Childhood Hero
In a fitting tribute to his childhood idol, A.J. Green, the Bengals assigned Johnson the jersey number 18—the exact number he would have requested had the team asked. Johnson’s path to this moment has been anything but conventional. A multi-sport athlete at Summit Country Day, he walked on at Ohio State and ultimately earned a scholarship, showcasing his tenacity and determination.
During his five seasons with the Buckeyes, Johnson made significant contributions, catching 26 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 353 yards and another score. His dedication and skill were evident when he attended a local workout with the Bengals prior to the 2024 NFL Draft. Following the draft, the Bengals reached out with an offer to sign him as a college free agent. However, Johnson made a tough decision to decline the offer, trusting the guidance of his agent, Brian Hamilton, who also resides in Cincinnati.
Navigating the NFL Landscape
Johnson eventually signed with the Buffalo Bills as a college free agent, participating in training camp before being released in late August. Just two days later, he was picked up by the Houston Texans and spent the season on their practice squad. Unfortunately, Johnson’s tenure with the Texans came to an end when he was released with an injury designation in June. Despite the setbacks, he maintained his resolve, continuing to work out and hold out hope for another chance in the league.
As December approached, Johnson found himself reflecting on his future. “I was never discouraged, but there was a point where it was like, ‘Maybe I should start getting ready for next year,’” he admitted. “I was working out every day, training every day, trying to put my best foot forward and get better every day. So there was never a point where I had my head down or tail tucked.”
A New Opportunity on the Horizon
Now, as he embarks on this new chapter with the Bengals, Johnson understands the challenges ahead. The prospects of earning a spot on the 53-man roster within a few weeks are slim, but he is committed to making the most of his time with the team. He has four weeks to demonstrate his value and earn a Futures Contract, which would be awarded in January.
“I’m coming in here with the mindset of intentionality, the purpose of getting better,” he stated with determination. “I’m gonna come in here and play my role and practice as hard as I can. In these next four weeks, I have an opportunity to earn some rapport with this organization who brought me in, showed me some respect. I was taught the best way to show respect is to pour yourself out and do your best.”
With his sights set firmly on the future, Xavier Johnson is ready to seize this opportunity and make an impact for the Bengals.
