Former Washington football star Tre Johnson has died ‘suddenly and unexpectedly’ at the age of 54, his wife has announced.
Johnson, who played as an offensive guard for the formerly-named Redskins from 1994 to 2001 before spending a season with the Cleveland Browns, passed away Sunday while on a family trip.
The ex-NFL player leaves behind wife Irene and their four children: Chloe, EJ, EZ, and Eden.
Despite revealing her husband recently took a leave of absence from his new job as a history teacher due to health issues, Irene admitted Tre’s death has left their family and friends ‘devastated and in shock’.
‘If you know Tre’ you know what a devoted and loving father, he was to his children,’ she said in a post on Facebook. ‘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.’
Former Washington football star Tre Johnson has died at the age of 54, his wife has announced
The Pro Bowl guard was on a family trip when he passed away ‘suddenly and unexpectedly’
Johnson, who spent eight years with Washington, became a teacher after retiring from football
Johnson had a standout collegiate career at Temple University before he was selected 31st overall by Washington in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft.
Five years later, the Manhattan-born guard earned his first and only Pro Bowl selection, while he was also named a Second-team All-Pro.
‘He loved the game and prided himself on his tremendous knowledge of it,’ Irene said about her late husband’s football career.
She added: ‘After retirement, he also found his second career passion, education. 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.’
According to sportscaster Chick Hernandez, who was once a close friend of Johnson’s, the late Pro Bowler was at Hampton University to watch his son play football when he collapsed at his hotel.
‘Tre was one of the smartest players I’ve ever met or covered,’ Hernandez added. ‘The conversations always veered away from football. Sorry we lost touch later in life. 2nd pick by Washington in 1994. Played for Washington for the majority of his eight-season NFL career. RIP Big smarty.
‘@eyezediting [Irene] our thoughts are with your family.’