Clay Johnston (born August 8, 1996) is an American football linebacker who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at Baylor.
College career
Johnston missed several games in 2017. He was a second-team all-Big 12 Conference selection in 2018 after recording a team-high 99 tackles. As a senior, he made 58 tackles, eight for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, and five pass breakups. Johnston only played six games due to a knee injury that ended his season early. He was again named to the second-team All-Big 12.
Professional career
Los Angeles Rams
Johnston was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round (234th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was waived on September 5, 2020.
Carolina Panthers
On September 8, 2020, Johnston was signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on December 26 and January 2, 2021, for the team's weeks 16 and 17 games against the Washington Football Team and New Orleans Saints, and reverted to the practice squad after each game. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on January 4, 2021.
Johnston made the Panthers 53-man roster in 2021 as a backup linebacker and special teamer. He played in six games before being waived on November 8, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals
On November 9, 2021, Johnston was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played in Super Bowl LVI, recording one tackle.
On November 1, 2023 , Johnston was signed to the practice squad by the Cincinnati Bengals. Clay Johnston played in 23 regular-season games (one start) for the Bengals from 2021-22, recording 11 defensive tackles and 14 special teams tackles. He led the NFL in 2022 Preseason in tackles. Johnston became a free agent in March 2023. He played in Super Bowl LVI and also 2 AFC championship games before being injured in the 2022 AFC title game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a knee injury.
Personal life
His father, Kent Johnston, was a strength coach for over two decades in the NFL, and was also Brett Favre’s best man for his wedding. He has three brothers Kody, Kole, and Cade. Kody played collegiate football at Texas A&M University and Kole participated in collegiate football at Tarleton State University.