From the Field to the Classroom
Former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Collin Johnson announced this week that he is retiring from professional football to pursue an MBA at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Johnson first rose to prominence during the Tom Herman era, when his 188 career catches, 2,624 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns helped Texas secure four ranked victories, a Big 12 Championship appearance and a Sugar Bowl triumph over the Georgia Bulldogs.
A standout performance against USC in 2017 saw him record seven catches for 191 yards, a highlight that underscored his ability to dominate big games.
After being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Johnson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, later adding stints with the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants, appearing in 38 regular‑season games across the three franchises.
His professional journey has been shaped by mentors and teammates alike, including Steve Sarkisian’s arrival after the Herman years, and colleagues such as Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Matthew Golden, Johnnie Johnson, Charlie Strong, Sam Ehlinger and Mack Brown, all of whom contributed to a vibrant Austin locker room.
Now enrolled at MIT, Johnson says the discipline, teamwork and relentless work ethic forged on the field will guide his studies as he prepares to blend sports insight with business strategy.