Brad Johnson
Questions about Brad Johnson or the Vikings?
Brad Johnson Legacy
HEYTC AIBrad Johnson Rating Breakdown
Brad Johnson Career Stats via Wikipedia
Brad Johnson Career Timeline
HEYTC AI2023 1
Recognized for Super Bowl legacy in Tampa Bay
More than two decades after the Buccaneers’ first title, Johnson has been frequently honored and cited in team and media retrospectives as the steady, efficient quarterback who helped deliver Super Bowl XXXVII to Tampa Bay, cementing his legacy as a franchise legend.
2010 1
Officially retires from the NFL
Johnson transitioned away from the league after the 2008 season and was effectively retired by 2010, finishing a 17-year NFL career highlighted by a Super Bowl title, multiple Pro Bowls, and successful stints with the Vikings, Washington, Buccaneers, and Cowboys.
2008 1
Struggles in relief of Tony Romo in Dallas
When Romo was injured in 2008, Johnson started multiple games for the Cowboys but struggled to push the ball downfield behind a shaky offensive line, effectively marking the end of his time as a viable NFL starter.
2007 1
Signs with Cowboys as veteran backup
Johnson signed with the Dallas Cowboys to serve as a veteran backup to Tony Romo, providing experience and depth for a contending NFC team.
2005 1
Returns to Vikings and sparks playoff push
Johnson returned to the Minnesota Vikings as a backup in 2005, took over midseason after Daunte Culpepper’s injury, and led Minnesota to a late surge that pulled them back into playoff contention.
2004 1
Loses starting job and departs Tampa Bay
After early-season struggles and benchings in 2004 with the Buccaneers, Johnson was eventually replaced and later released, ending his four-year run as Tampa Bay’s primary starter.
2003 1
Leads Buccaneers to Super Bowl XXXVII title
Capping the 2002 season, Johnson started Super Bowl XXXVII and guided the Buccaneers’ offense in a dominant win over the Oakland Raiders, securing the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship.
2002 1
Career-best season and Pro Bowl with Buccaneers
Under new head coach Jon Gruden in 2002, Johnson delivered a career year with one of the league’s best touchdown-to-interception ratios, earning another Pro Bowl selection and leading Tampa Bay to a 12–4 record and the NFC’s No. 2 seed.
2001 1
Signs with Buccaneers as starting QB
Johnson signed a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001, immediately being installed as the starter and asked to stabilize an offense built around an elite defense.
2000 1
Injury-shortened season in Washington
Johnson battled injuries during the 2000 season in Washington, losing time and ultimately his starting job, setting the stage for his departure in free agency.
1999 2
Pro Bowl year with Washington
In his first season with Washington, Johnson threw for over 4,000 yards, earned another Pro Bowl selection, and helped the team reach the playoffs and advance to the Divisional Round.
Traded to Washington
The Minnesota Vikings traded Brad Johnson to Washington, where he became the starting quarterback and quickly led one of the NFL’s top offenses under coach Norv Turner.
1997 1
First Pro Bowl selection with Vikings
Johnson earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 1997 with the Vikings after an efficient season as their primary starter, solidifying his status as one of the league’s more accurate passers.
1996 1
Breakout season with Vikings
After several seasons as a backup and time in NFL Europe, Johnson took over as the Minnesota Vikings’ starter in 1996, posting over 3,000 passing yards and establishing himself as a viable NFL starting quarterback.
1992 1
Drafted by Vikings
Brad Johnson was a ninth-round pick (#227 overall) in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, entering the league as a developmental quarterback after a college career at Florida State.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brad Johnson
How does J.J. McCarthy compare to Brad Johnson?
J.J. McCarthy has more raw arm talent and movement skills, but he’s still writing chapter one while Brad Johnson already authored a 17-year, 29,000-yard, 166-TD career and a Lombardi with Tampa. Johnson was the steady A-minus student who aced every group project; McCarthy’s the honors kid with upside. Until J.J. wins big in January, Brad’s Vikings legacy still wears the crown.
Is Brad Johnson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
No, Brad Johnson is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he’s unlikely to get serious traction for Canton. He’s in that very respectable middle tier: 17 seasons, a Super Bowl ring with Tampa Bay, over 29,000 passing yards, and an 82.5 passer rating. That’s “excellent career your franchise loves,” not “bronze bust next to Montana and Marino.”
What is Brad Johnson doing now in 2026?
Brad Johnson has leaned into the post-football life as a content and coaching guy more than a spotlight chaser. He’s become a bit of a cult favorite online for his “Big Bad Brad” trick-shot videos and QB tips, and he spends plenty of time around the game working with young quarterbacks, including his sons, rather than grinding full-time in TV or front offices.
How would Brad Johnson perform in today's NFL?
Drop 2002 Brad Johnson into today’s NFL, and he’s a comfortably above-average starter in the Kirk Cousins–Jared Goff neighborhood. The modern rules love his accuracy, patience, and low interception rates—he led the NFC in passer rating and set INT-percentage records in Tampa. Give him motion-heavy, RPO-friendly concepts, and he’d carve people up on third-and-6, even if he’s never headlining a QB sneaker deal.
How does Brad Johnson compare to Fran Tarkenton?
Fran Tarkenton is the Picasso here; Brad Johnson is the really strong portrait painter. Tarkenton was the improvisational icon, three-time MVP runner-up, and a top-tier all-time Viking with that 47.86 franchise QB rating. Johnson sits in the solid-but-not-spectacular tier at 31.75, respected more for efficiency and that Bucs ring than for redefining the position the way Tarkenton did.