Max Johnson has football in his blood. Born in Athens, Georgia, and raised in a family steeped in athletic excellence, Johnson has carved his path in the world of college football. Known for his poise, strong left arm, and football IQ, Max has become a reliable leader on the field through stints at LSU, Texas A&M, and now North Carolina.
Johnson’s collegiate journey began at LSU in 2020, where he made an immediate impact. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 219 pounds, his physical presence was matched by his mental composure. In his freshman season, Max appeared in six games and started the final two, leading LSU to a win over sixth-ranked Florida and Ole Miss. His performance against Florida, where he threw for 239 yards and three touchdowns, earned him SEC Freshman of the Week honors.
In 2021, Max assumed the starting quarterback role after an injury to Myles Brennan. He continued to show growth, highlighted by a five-touchdown performance against Central Michigan. After the 2021 season, Johnson transferred to Texas A&M, where he played for two seasons. Though his time there was marred by injuries and quarterback competition, Max showed flashes of brilliance, including a key win over Miami in 2022. In 2024, he transferred to the University of North Carolina, reuniting with his brother Jake Johnson and bringing veteran leadership to the Tar Heels.
As of 2024, Max Johnson has amassed 5,862 passing yards, thrown 47 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions, and completed 62.4% of his passes. These numbers reflect not only his consistency and accuracy but also his ability to manage games and make smart decisions under pressure.
Who are Max Johnson’s parents? What do they do?
Max Johnson‘s athletic talent comes from both sides of his family. His father, Brad Johnson, is a former NFL quarterback with a 17-year career. Brad played for several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, and Dallas Cowboys, but is best known for leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the 48-21 victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. He threw for over 29,000 yards in his NFL career and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1999.
Max’s mother, Nikki Johnson (formerly Nikki Meyer), was a record-setting volleyball player at the University of South Florida. During her collegiate career, she set school records in kills (1,726), digs (1,462), and hitting percentage (.303). Her competitive spirit and athleticism influence both Max and his younger brother Jake.
Together, Brad and Nikki have supported their sons not just through their athletic journeys but also as grounded role models. Brad has even coached Max and Jake during their early development, instilling in them discipline and a deep understanding of the game.
Does Max Johnson have any siblings?
Yes, Max Johnson has a younger brother named Jake Johnson, who is also forging a strong path in college football. Jake plays as a tight end for the North Carolina Tar Heels. A top-ranked recruit in the 2022 class, Jake originally committed to LSU but followed Max to Texas A&M before they both transferred to UNC.
Jake made waves in high school at Oconee County High in Georgia, compiling outstanding stats: 60 catches for 845 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore; 37 receptions for 787 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior; and 45 receptions for 745 yards and 8 touchdowns in his senior year. At Texas A&M, he recorded 24 receptions for 235 yards and 4 touchdowns in the 2023 season.
The Johnson brothers now play together at UNC, a rare and special opportunity for a quarterback-tight end duo with such a strong bond and history.
What is Max Johnson’s parents’ nationality?
While their specific ethnic heritage isn’t publicly documented, Max Johnson was born in Athens, Georgia, and both of his parents are American nationals. Brad Johnson is a native of Georgia and spent most of his professional career in the United States. Nikki Johnson also grew up and played sports in Florida, where she starred at USF. The Johnson family represents the quintessential American football legacy.
Max Johnson continues to honor his family’s athletic legacy while establishing a powerful name for himself. With a strong arm, high football IQ, and an unshakable mentality, Johnson is more than just a quarterback—he’s a leader, teammate, and future pro prospect. As he heads into the next chapter with the North Carolina Tar Heels, all eyes will be on Max as he aims to elevate his team and finish his college career with distinction.
The post Who Are Max Johnson’s Parents? Meet the Family of UNC QB appeared first on EssentiallySports.
