Duke Johnson

Randy "Duke" Johnson Jr., born on September 23, 1993 in Miami, Florida, emerged as one of the most versatile all‑purpose backs of his generation. Growing up in Miami Gardens, he excelled at Miami Norland Senior High School, rushing for nearly 2,000 yards and scoring 29 touchdowns as a senior while also leading his team to a Class 5A state championship and earning multiple track and field honors as a sprinter and long jumper. His high school dominance earned him a reputation as the nation’s top all‑purpose running back recruit, a status that carried over to the University of Miami where he became the Hurricanes’ all‑time rushing yards leader, amassed 3,519 rushing yards, and collected numerous ACC accolades including Rookie of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the prestigious Brian Piccolo Award. Johnson declared for the NFL draft after his junior year and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round (77th overall) of the 2015 draft, signing a four‑year contract that launched an eight‑season professional career.

During his NFL tenure, Johnson distinguished himself as a dual‑threat weapon, posting 2,265 rushing yards, 2,870 receiving yards, and 23 total touchdowns while logging over 300 receptions, a rarity for a running back. He contributed to multiple franchises—including the Browns, Texans, Jaguars, Dolphins, and Bills—often serving as a key third‑down specialist and punt returner. Notably, he became the first running back since Herschel Walker to record 500+ receiving yards in each of his first three seasons. After a brief practice‑squad stint with the Bills, Johnson announced his retirement on May 5, 2024, concluding a career marked by durability, adaptability, and a relentless work ethic that made him a beloved figure among teammates and fans alike.