Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Cedric Johnson is an American professional football player who plays defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Born on September 6, 2002, in Mobile, Alabama, Johnson played college football at the University of Mississippi before being selected by Cincinnati in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Beyond his professional football career, Johnson comes from a supportive family with a strong connection to sports. His parents, Cephus Johnson Jr. and Hope Johnson, helped guide his development, while his older brother, Cephus Johnson III, also pursued a professional football career. Although much is known about his parents and brother, Johnson keeps his romantic relationships and potential children largely out of the public spotlight.
Cedric Johnson’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Cedric Johnson has not publicly confirmed that he has a girlfriend. There is no sufficiently verified information identifying a current romantic partner or establishing whether he is dating anyone.
Throughout his career at Ole Miss and with the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson has maintained a relatively private personal life. His interviews have generally focused on football, his development as a defensive player, and the support he receives from his family.
He has not made a widely documented public announcement concerning an engagement or marriage.
Therefore, his current relationship status remains unconfirmed.
Does Cedric Johnson Have Children?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Cedric Johnson has children.
Neither his official professional football biography nor reliable interviews about his family have publicly established that he is a father.
Although Johnson maintains a public presence as an NFL player, he has not disclosed enough information about his private life to confirm whether he has any sons or daughters.
Cedric Johnson’s Parents
Cedric Johnson’s Father: Cephus Johnson Jr.
Cedric Johnson’s father is Cephus Johnson Jr., a former United States Marine who has played an important role in the upbringing and athletic development of his children.
According to a 2024 Cincinnati Bengals report, Cephus worked for Kimberly-Clark, a major American manufacturing company.
Although Cephus did not play competitive football himself, he developed a strong interest in the sport through his sons, Cedric and Cephus Johnson III.
He encouraged his children to develop discipline, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. During an interview about Cedric’s college football journey, Cephus explained that his son had always demonstrated maturity and the ability to handle responsibilities independently.
He also emphasized the importance of staying focused on long-term goals rather than becoming distracted by the social activities commonly associated with college life.
Cephus has remained involved in his son’s football journey, attending games and supporting his transition from Ole Miss to the NFL.
Cedric Johnson’s Mother: Hope Johnson
Cedric Johnson’s mother is Hope Johnson, who has also been an important influence throughout his life.
According to the Cincinnati Bengals, Hope worked in the Alabama state revenue office in 2024.
Hope and her husband raised their children in Mobile, Alabama, where both sons developed an interest in American football at an early age.
In a 2023 interview about Cedric’s upbringing, his father recalled how Hope noticed her younger son’s remarkable energy while watching his older brother play youth football.
She encouraged Cedric to begin participating in organized football rather than remaining on the sidelines during his brother’s games.
Cedric subsequently started playing football at approximately six years old, beginning a sporting journey that eventually led him to the NFL.
Hope has remained supportive of her sons’ athletic careers, including attending professional football events with the family.
Cedric Johnson’s Siblings
Cephus Johnson III: Cedric Johnson’s Older Brother
Cedric Johnson has an older brother named Cephus Johnson III, who is also an American football player.
Cephus III played college football as a quarterback at the University of South Alabama and Southeastern Louisiana University. He later pursued opportunities in professional football, including time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a wide receiver.
Growing up in Mobile, the two brothers shared a passion for football, although they initially played different positions.
Cephus III played wide receiver during his youth before developing as a quarterback, while Cedric initially played running back and eventually became a defensive end.
During his college career at Ole Miss, Cedric changed his jersey number from 33 to 2, partly to honor his older brother, who had worn the number for many years.
The brothers’ relationship became particularly significant during the 2024 NFL preseason, when they faced each other as members of opposing teams. Cedric played for Cincinnati while Cephus III was with Tampa Bay.
Following that game, Cephus encouraged his younger brother to continue working toward securing a place on the Bengals’ roster.
When Cephus was subsequently released by Tampa Bay, Cedric publicly expressed disappointment and emphasized how closely connected their professional ambitions were.
As of now, Cephus Johnson III is the only sibling consistently identified in reliable public reporting about Cedric Johnson’s family.
Cedric Johnson’s Family Background and Upbringing
Cedric Johnson grew up in West Mobile, Alabama, in a household where education, athletic development, and personal responsibility were strongly encouraged.
His parents supported both of their sons as they pursued competitive football, providing encouragement during important stages of their careers.
Johnson attended Davidson High School, where he developed into a talented defensive prospect. During his senior season in 2019, he recorded 56 tackles and 16 sacks, attracting attention from college football programs.
He eventually committed to Ole Miss, where he played four seasons from 2020 through 2023.
During his college career, Johnson recorded 112 tackles and 19 sacks across 46 games. He also received the 2023 Chucky Mullins Courage Award, an honor recognizing character, leadership, and determination.
His achievements helped him earn an opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals, who selected him with the 214th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Throughout this journey, Johnson’s parents and older brother remained important sources of encouragement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedric Johnson’s Family
Who is Cedric Johnson’s girlfriend?
As of now, Cedric Johnson has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend. His current relationship status remains private.
Is Cedric Johnson married?
There is no verified public information confirming that the Cincinnati Bengals defensive end is married.
Does Cedric Johnson have children?
There is no publicly verified information establishing that Cedric Johnson has children.
Who is Cedric Johnson’s father?
His father is Cephus Johnson Jr., a former United States Marine who has worked for Kimberly-Clark.
Who is Cedric Johnson’s mother?
His mother is Hope Johnson, who has worked in the Alabama state revenue office.
Does Cedric Johnson have siblings?
Yes. He has an older brother named Cephus Johnson III, who also pursued a professional American football career.
Is Cedric Johnson’s brother an NFL player?
Cephus Johnson III has spent time with NFL organizations, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after playing college football at South Alabama and Southeastern Louisiana.
Where is Cedric Johnson’s family from?
Cedric Johnson and his family are from Mobile, Alabama, where he and his older brother grew up.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
