Johnson was born in Andalusia, Alabama. He attended Andalusia High School, where he played basketball under coach Richard Robertson, as well as football. He recorded 78 tackles, 32 assists, one fumble recovery, one blocked punt and 11 interceptions during his senior season. As a junior, he made 80 tackles and blocked one field goal attempt. Johnson received ASWA first team All-State honors three consecutive times and was named to the Orlando Sentinel′s All-Southern Team and the Press Register′s Super Southeast 120. He also earned All-American honors by Parade, was a finalist for the High SchoolButkus Award, and was selected U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he led the West squad with four solo tackles, including two tackles for loss. Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Johnson was ranked as the No. 2 outside linebacker prospect, behind only Jelani Jenkins He has made numerous visits to Alabama and said one of the reasons he chose the Crimson Tide over finalists Oregon, Florida, Louisiana State, and Southern California was to be near his mother, who suffered from diabetes. Johnson is now a contributor to the class of 2009 scholarship at Andalusia High School.
College career
Johnson enrolled in the University of Alabama, where he played for coach Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 2009 to 2012. As a true freshman in 2009, Johnson began the season as a backup, but soon had to step in for the injured Dont'a Hightower. He played in 12 games and made two starts at weak-side inside linebacker next to Rolando McClain. He earned freshman All-SEC selection by the league coaches and Sporting News after the 2009 season. Nico Johnson was part of three BCS National Championship teams while playing for the Crimson Tide.
In the 2013 NFL Draft, Johnson was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round with the 99th overall draft pick. Johnson signed a 4-year, $2 million deal with the Chiefs. On August 30, 2014, he was released during final preseason roster cut downs. The next day, he was signed to the Chiefs practice squad.
On November 10, 2015, the New York Giants signed Johnson to their practice squad. On December 31, 2015, Johnson was promoted to the 53-man roster. On April 12, 2016, the New York Giants waived Johnson with a failed physical designation.
