Josh Johnson, a 39-year-old journeyman quarterback, gets an unexpected Christmas Day start for the Washington Commanders against the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran backup faces the first start of his NFL career in 2025, thrust into a pivotal NFC East matchup on December 25.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Josh Johnson will start for the Commanders against Dallas after both Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota were ruled out due to injuries
- The 39-year-old QB has played for 14 different NFL teams, the most in league history
- Johnson’s first NFL appearance came on September 27, 2009, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being drafted in the 5th round (160th overall)
- This will be Johnson’s first start since 2021, marking a dramatic return to the starting role for the veteran
An Unlikely Hero Emerges for Washington
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The Washington Commanders face a quarterback crisis that has forced head coach Dan Quinn to turn to an unlikely solution. With Jayden Daniels sidelined by a left elbow injury after missing six games this season and Marcus Mariota dealing with a quad injury, the team has no choice but to rely on Josh Johnson. The veteran’s path to this unexpected starting opportunity showcases how unpredictable the NFL can be, especially during a critical stretch run.
Johnson emerged from relative obscurity within the Commanders organization to take center stage on the biggest stage of Christmas Day football. Coach Quinn confirmed the decision to start Johnson on Wednesday, moving the 39-year-old journeyman from backup status to the role that every NFL quarterback dreams of playing.
The Most Traveled Quarterback in NFL History
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Josh Johnson holds an NFL record that will likely never be broken. He has been a member of 14 different NFL teams, far exceeding any other player in league history. His 16-year NFL career, dating back to his 2008 draft selection by Tampa Bay, demonstrates remarkable perseverance and adaptability.
Originally selected in the 5th round (160th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft, Johnson spent his first three seasons (2009-2011) with the Buccaneers. Since then, he has journeyed through a remarkable 14-team trek including the 49ers, Browns, Bengals, Jets, Colts, Bills, Ravens, and now the Commanders. Over 48 career appearances with nine starts, Johnson maintains a 58% completion percentage and 6.4 yards per attempt average.
| Category | Details |
| Age | 39 years old |
| NFL Seasons | 10 seasons since 2009 debut |
| Career Appearances | 48 games (9 starts) |
| Completion Percentage | 58.0% |
| Last Start | 2021 season |
Stepping Into the Spotlight Against Dallas
The Cowboys represent a significant test for Johnson’s unexpected return to starting status. Dallas is favored by 7-8 points in this Week 17 NFC East matchup, with oddsmakers setting the game total at 50.5 points. The Cowboys come into Christmas Day off a loss to the Chargers (34-17), while the Commanders are attempting to bounce back from their recent struggles.
Jeff Driskel will serve as Johnson’s backup, with Sam Hartman listed as the emergency third quarterback. This depth chart reflects the unprecedented nature of the situation facing Washington heading into the critical stretch of the season. The backup plan itself becomes a story of intrigue for a team navigating quarterback uncertainty.
Why This Start Matters for Johnson’s Legacy
For Josh Johnson, this represents far more than simply taking snaps on Christmas Day. After nearly four years since his last NFL start, the veteran gets another chance to prove he belongs in the league. His journey through 14 different teams speaks to both his resilience and the NFL’s unpredictable nature regarding player opportunities. Some journeymen fade away, but Johnson has remained in the league through determination and adaptability.
The Commanders will lean on Johnson’s experience despite his limited recent starts. Coach Quinn evidently trusts the veteran’s ability to manage the offense and operations against a Dallas defensive unit hungry to capitalize on Washington’s injuries. Success in this role could rewrite how Johnson’s career is remembered.
What Can Commanders Fans Expect Tonight?
As kickoff approaches on Christmas Day, Washington supporters will witness either a remarkable story of redemption or a cautionary tale about the limits of veteran experience. Josh Johnson presents both intrigue and uncertainty. His 16-year NFL journey and 48 career appearances provide some foundation, but the Cowboys defense will test whether that experience translates to modern NFL success.
The Commanders need Johnson to prove capable of managing the game, protecting the football, and keeping pace with Dallas‘s Dak Prescott. Points will likely be at a premium with both defenses looking to pressure the quarterbacks. Johnson’s ability to execute short passes and avoid turnovers becomes critical in this matchup.
Sources
- ESPN – Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson starting decisions and game preview
- NFL.com – Official injury reports and Week 17 matchup information
- Washington Commanders – Team announcements and player roster details
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.