Former Giants receiver Collin Johnson retires at 28 to enroll at MIT

A former Giants wide receiver is walking away from the NFL to pursue a master’s degree from MIT. 

Collin Johnson, who was with Big Blue from 2021 until the end of August 2023, is retiring from pro football and enrolling at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, he announced on Instagram on Thursday. 

The wide receiver, 28, spent four years in the NFL, with stops in the Big Apple, Jacksonville and Chicago.

“Football has shaped my life in more ways than I can put into words,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “It taught me faith, discipline, resilience, leadership, and how to compete at the highest level. I’m thankful for every teammate, coach, organization, and person who helped me along the way.”

In an Instagram Story post, Johnson added that “Football changed my life” and he said that he was “Thankful to everyone who has been part of my journey.”

During his one healthy season (2021) with the Giants, Johnson appeared in 12 games and had 11 catches for 105 yards. 

During his four seasons in the league, Johnson had one start — coming with the Giants — and appeared in 38 games. 

Johnson finished his career with 31 catches for 394 yards and two touchdowns. 

In his announcement about his retirement, Johnson also said he would be continuing to work on Beyond Sports, a development and educational platform to help current and former athletes build businesses. 

“For a long time, athletes have been seen as endorsers of other people’s companies,” he wrote. “I believe we can be the founders, operators, investors, and owners behind them too. Grateful for the game. Excited for what’s next.”

Johnson played all four years of his college football at Texas, suiting up in 44 games and recording 38 receptions for 559 yards and 15 touchdowns.