Eric Johnson: Former Football Tight End Who Became Jessica Simpson’s Husband

Eric Johnson tight end catapulted to fame as a football star. Despite his stardom, he dated and married someone far more famous than him. Here are some interesting details regarding his life.

Millions of fans are in awe of the incredible athleticism that tight end Eric Johnson has, which is one of the reasons he is so well-known in the National Football League.

Even though the 42-year-old football superstar first gained fame due to his lengthy career in the sport, he shot to even greater prominence once he began dating one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.

ERIC JOHNSON IS A FORMER TIGHT END

The celebrated athlete, whose given name is Eric Maxwell, was born on September 15, 1979, in Needham, Massachusetts. Growing up, he developed a passion for athletics, especially football.

Johnson got his start playing football at his high school in Needham. After that, he continued his athletic prowess while studying at the prestigious Yale University.

Johnson ultimately pursued a career in football, especially in the position of tight end, when he graduated from college. His parameters are well-known in the NFL as he's an ideal figure for the sport: he stands at 6-foot 3 and weighs 256 lbs.

Unfortunately, he retired from football a few years ago, as every other great football player does at some point in their career. Fans are saddened that he has ended his fantastic career, but they respect his decision.

According to his Instagram profile, he seems to have discovered a new business venture called Legendary Disciplines, a platform that focuses on health, sports, and wellness.

His new business has provided mind-body programs that are guided by some of the organization's most recognized wellness professionals.

TIGHT END ERIC JOHNSON TIED THE KNOT WITH JESSICA SIMPSON

Johnson is well-known not only for his skills as a football player but also for having been married twice—the first one was to a schoolteacher-turned-stylist, and the second involved actress Jessica Simpson.

On the other hand, Johnson's two marriages generated controversy. He was married to his first wife, teacher-turned-stylist Keri D'Angelo, for five years until they split in 2010. The reason for their breakup has remained unknown.

Johnson reportedly cheated on D'Angelo with Simpson. It was also in 2010 that the former football star allegedly started a whirlwind romance with Simpson while he was still legally married to his first wife.

The ex-athlete went to great lengths to be with Simpson, including pulling out of his two-year business program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in order to stay close with the actress in Los Angeles.

Despite the cheating allegations, Johnson proposed to the "The Dukes of Hazzard" actress after a few months of dating. The couple was supposed to get married in 2011, but it got postponed.

They eventually tied the knot in 2014, just years after Johnson finalized his divorce from his first wife. Simpson's marriage to Johnson was her second. She was previously married to singer Nick Lachey.

While they continue to show off their wonderful family and marriage, Simpson acknowledged that even though she and her husband "rarely fight," they cannot avoid having conflicts.

Both Simpson and Johnson never had children in their previous marriages. Simpson and Johnson are ecstatic about their second chance at marriage.

Together, they take pride in their accomplishments and honor one another with heartfelt social media tributes. Simpson once gushed about her current husband on Instagram and relived their longtime union. Her caption read:

"San Ysidro Ranch celebration of 11 years being engaged and saying YES, I will marry YOU.🥰"

The longtime pair have welcomed three children together—sons Maxwell Drew, 10, born in 2012; Ace Knute, 9, born in 2013; and daughter Birdie Mae, 3, whom the couple welcomed in 2019.

Johnson, a proud father, has expressed his joy at being in a place where he can truly enjoy being a parent. Johnson is very proud of his children. He went on and on about how much he loves his children on Instagram.

Simpson, like him, would share sweet memories of their children online. One of the most memorable photographs she shared was a snap of them riding a golf cart around a farm.

While they continue to show off their wonderful family and marriage, Simpson acknowledged that even though she and her husband "rarely fight," they cannot avoid having conflicts. The "Public Affair" hitmaker said:

"If we do, it's more conversational, and it's not like, 'He's right or she’s right.' It's not about winning."

ERIC JOHNSON AS A FOOTBALL TIGHT END

Even after he retired from football in 2008, Johnson has maintained his fame in the sport. He played tight end for six years in the NFL – first with the San Francisco 49ers group and then with the New Orleans Saints team.

Being part of a college football team at Yale University paid off. Johnson's dream of becoming a football star came true after the San Francisco 49ers drafted him in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, he missed two seasons of the NFL draft due to an injury. Luckily, in 2004, he redeemed himself and successfully led the San Francisco 49ers with 82 catches for 825 yards and two touchdowns.

During an interview with Yale Athletics, Johnson shared his time playing for the university's football team, during which he shared tips about improving their effectiveness on the field. Aside from that, he reminisced about his time playing football for the New Orleans Saints.

In 2007, Johnson signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. He got a new contract in March 2008 but was released four months later. He eventually quit the sport.