He was a two-sport star at Gonzaga College High School (basketball and football) in Washington, D.C.

He then played college football at Virginia, and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL draft.

[2] He accepted a scholarship to Virginia over other offers from Georgia, Duke, Miami, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and Maryland.

In 2011, his final season, his performance dropped off due to several nagging injuries, but still managed to start in all 12 games.

Johnson was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round (237th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft.

[5] Johnson was acquired by the Indianapolis Colts via trade with the 49ers in exchange for a conditional draft pick on September 2, 2013.