Brian Johnson replaced Joey Slye as Virginia Tech’s kicker in 2018. After Slye graduated, Johnson went on to kick three seasons for the Hokies. Johnson went undrafted in the 2021 NFL draft but signed a free-agent contract with the Chicago Bears.
Johnson spent training camp with the Bears and opened the season on the practice squad until the New Orleans Saints needed a kicker and signed him to their active roster. Johnson was good with the Saints, nailing all eight of his field-goal attempts, but missed three point-after attempts, and the Saints released him.
The Bears quickly signed Johnson back to their practice squad.