Micah Johnson

After 13 seasons as a CFL defensive tackle, Micah Johnson has moved into a coaching role with the Roughriders. He was named the team’s Defensive Line Coach on Jan. 5, 2026 after announcing his retirement as player. Johnson’s playing career included three Grey Cup championships, five All-CFL selections and seven divisional All-CFL nods.

His professional football journey began in 2010, when he made his NFL regular-season debut with the Miami Dolphins. After spending time in the NFL, he made the move north in 2013 and quickly found his footing in the Canadian game, beginning his CFL career with the Calgary Stampeders.

During his time in Calgary, Johnson developed into one of the league’s premier defensive tackles, earning multiple All-CFL recognitions and playing a key role in several Grey Cup runs, including championship wins in 2014 and 2018.

All told, Johnson spent he spent six seasons (2013-2018) with Calgary and played in 81 games with the Stampeders, recording 158 defensive tackles, 41 sacks and two interceptions while winning two of his three Grey Cup championships.

From there, Johnson’s career brought him to Saskatchewan as a marquee free-agent signing in 2019. He played 80 games in Green and White over five seasons (2019, 2021, 2023-25), including back-to-back All-CFL seasons (2024 and 2025).

Last season, Johnson defied age and became the first 37-year-old defensive player in league history to earn All-CFL distinction. He registered six sacks for the second consecutive season while anchoring one of the league’s most formidable run defences, adding 20 defensive tackles (including two for a loss) for the 2025 Grey Cup champions. In 2024, he suited up for all 18 games, posting 28 defensive tackles, four tackles for a loss, and six sacks.

In addition to his leadership role on the defensive line, Johnson took on expanded responsibilities beginning in 2024, stepping in as an emergency offensive lineman during the Labour Day Classic and playing 2½ quarters at right guard. He also played a key role on the Club’s short-yardage unit in 2025, helping quarterback Tommy Stevens convert 33 of 36 short-yardage rushes during the regular season for a conversion rate of 91.7 per cent. Johnson also cleared a path for the first of Stevens’ two touchdown runs during the 2025 Grey Cup win.

Before returning to the Roughriders in 2023, Johnson spent the 2022 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, appearing in 16 regular season games and recording 24 defensive tackles (five for a loss), and seven sacks. All told, Johnson retired having appeared in 177 regular season games across three teams, tallying 309 defensive tackles and 71 sacks.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Johnson has long been known for his work ethic and football intellect. He also joined the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation as a Player Ambassador, travelling across the province to teach students the importance of mental wellness and literacy through the Win with Wellness and Rider Reading programs.

Johnson and his wife Saqouia have four children — JaCorian (J.C.), Micah Jr., Jaxson and Kaleia. They have been year-round residents of Regina since 2023.