NFL: Houston Texans sign German FB Jakob Johnson

The Houston Texans have announced the signing of German fullback Jakob Johnson to a one-year deal.

The 30 year old Johnson spent part of the 2024 season with the New York Giants. Prior to that, he spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. He appeared in all 17 games with nine starts in 2022. He played 301 offensive snaps, which was 27 percent of the team’s offensive plays, and saw another 151 on special teams.

Johnson arrived in Las Vegas after spending his first three seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots.

A native of Stuttgart, Germany, Johnson played four seasons at the University of Tennessee (2014-17). Beginning his collegiate career as a linebacker before transitioning to tight end as a sophomore, Johnson appeared in 47 games, recording three receptions for 23 yards, 24 tackles on defense and two kickoff returns for 25 yards.

The bruising fullback was honored in 2021 for playing over 1,000 snaps in the NFL. He is only the second international player pathway product to reach that milestone.