Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Micah Johnson announced his retirement on Monday and will remain in Saskatchewan as the team’s new defensive line coach.
Micah Johnson is six foot two and weighs 278 pounds. The 37-year-old from Columbus, Georgia, re-signed with the Roughriders on February 7, 2025. In 2025, he made 20 tackles and six sacks in 18 games. In the 112th Grey Cup, Johnson made two tackles and one tackle for loss, helping the Roughriders to win the Grey Cup. He was named a CFL West All-Star and to the All-CFL Team.
The New York Giants signed Johnson as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals, playing one career NFL regular-season game for Miami with one tackle (1 assist).
In 2012, Johnson played for the Virginia Destroyers (UFL) with five tackles (4 solos, 1 assist), two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and two sacks in two games, helping the Destroyers win the UFL Championship over the Las Vegas Locomotives.
The Calgary Stampeders signed Johnson on May 27, 2013. He played six seasons in Calgary with 165 tackles, one tackle on special teams, 41 sacks, four pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two interceptions in 81 games. In his Calgary career, Johnson won the Grey Cup twice, was a three-time CFL All-Star, and a four-time CFL West All-Star.
Next, Johnson signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2019. He played two seasons with 45 tackles, six sacks, and one fumble recovery in 28 games. He was named a two-time CFL West All-Star.
Then, Johnson signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a free agent on February 9, 2022. He made 24 tackles and seven sacks in 16 games on his way to being named a CFL East All-Star.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Johnson on February 14, 2023. In 2023, he made 27 tackles and five sacks in 18 games. The Roughriders re-signed Johnson on February 12, 2024. In 2024, he made 28 tackles and six sacks in 18 games. He was named a CFL West All-Star and to the All-CFL Team.
Collegiately, Johnson played four seasons at Kentucky (2006-09) with 285 tackles (161 solos, 124 assists), 23.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions for 45 yards, one touchdown, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 49 games. He was named First Team All-SEC in 2008.
