While not much is known about Eric’s own childhood, he has become a wonderful father to his three kids with ex-wife Jessica Simpson.
Highlights
- Eric Johnson has kept details about his early life private. His childhood remains unknown, including information about his siblings and mother’s identity.
- Eric and Jessica Simpson have separated after a decade of marriage, focusing on co-parenting their three children.
- Johnson had a standout college career at Yale and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2001 NFL Draft.
Former NFL tight end Eric Maxwell Johnson has recently been in the spotlight due to his separation from singer and actress Jessica Simpson after a decade of marriage.
The couple, who share three children—Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12; Ace Knute, 11; and Birdie Mae, 5—announced their split earlier this month.
Reports indicate that they had been living separately for several months, focusing on co-parenting and their children’s well-being during this transitional period.
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have separated after 10 years of marriage: "Navigating a painful situation." 💔 pic.twitter.com/jlKvjHGk1l
— ExtraTV (@extratv) January 14, 2025
Eric Johnson Is The Son Of Stephen Johnson And An Unnamed Mother
Eric Johnson was born on September 15, 1979, in Needham, Massachusetts.
He is the son of Stephen Johnson; however, details about his mother remain private, as Eric has chosen to keep information about his family background confidential.
There is limited public information regarding his siblings or extended family.
Johnson Began Playing Football Since High School
Johnson attended Needham High School, where he began to showcase his athletic talents, particularly in football.
His performance earned him a spot at Yale University, an Ivy League institution known for its rigorous academics and competitive athletics.
Needham native Eric Johnson. Another Ivy Leaguer (Yale).
— Matt Gill (@Matty_S_Gill) January 18, 2025
Oh yeah, and he also married Jessica Simpson. pic.twitter.com/g6eNnyXlD6
At Yale, Eric played as a wide receiver, leading the team in receptions and receiving yards during his tenure.
His notable college career culminated in a standout performance in the 1999 Harvard-Yale game, where he caught 21 passes for 244 yards, contributing significantly to Yale’s victory.
Eric Was Drafted In The Seventh Round Of The 2001 NFL Draft
In the 2001 NFL Draft, Johnson was selected in the seventh round by the San Francisco 49ers.
Transitioning to the tight end position, he made an immediate impact.
During his rookie season, he recorded 40 receptions for 362 yards and three touchdowns.
His best professional season came in 2004, when he amassed 82 receptions for 825 yards and two touchdowns, leading all NFL tight ends in receptions that year.
Jeff Garcia hits rookie Eric Johnson for a TD.
— 49ers Throwback ❤💛 (@49ers_Throwback) July 27, 2023
Throwback 2001 Week 14 Dolphins @ San Francisco 49ers pic.twitter.com/qoxkyLrr2q
Unfortunately, his career was marred by injuries; he missed the entire 2003 and 2005 seasons due to injuries and was sidelined for the 2007 season after being released by the 49ers and signing with the New Orleans Saints.
He retired from professional football in 2008.
Eric And Jessica Began Dating In 2010
Eric Johnson’s personal life gained media attention when he began dating Jessica Simpson in 2010.
The couple became engaged later that year and were married on July 5, 2014.
Can we talk about how stunning Jessica Simpson looked on her wedding day? ♥ http://t.co/RVtaqMUWbM pic.twitter.com/DDVBtVP84b
— E! Entertainment (@eentertainment) July 9, 2014
Throughout their marriage, Eric was often described as a supportive husband and an “incredible father” to their children.
Eric turned 44 on Sept 15 and his family gave him all the love cells we have to celebrate his life. My heart is so taken with this Man, I could hardly call it my own….
— Jessica Simpson (@JessicaSimpson) September 19, 2023
We love youuuu
(he ain’t an Instagram guy, but I always think the more good wishes the better 😜) pic.twitter.com/c7CjyUFNdW
The Pair Separate After 10 Years Of Marriage
In January 2025, reports surfaced that Eric and Jessica had separated after ten years of marriage.
Sources cited trust issues and growing apart as contributing factors to their decision.
The couple had been living separately since the previous year, initially as a trial separation.
Despite the split, both Eric and Jessica have emphasized their commitment to co-parenting and prioritizing their children’s well-being.
Additional Information
- Eric majored in American Studies and Sociology at Yale.
- He broke 11 receiving records and one punting record while playing for Yale University.
- Before marrying Jessica Simpson, Eric was married to stylist Keri Johnson, whom he divorced in 2010.
