Junior Florida defensive back Dijon Johnson was reportedly arrested on Friday, May 2, in his hometown of Tampa for multiple charges, including two felonies. Multiple sources broke the news, raising questions about his future and the ongoing challenges within the Gators’ program.
Johnson is a 6’1”, 190-pound defensive back who has been a rising star in the Gators’ secondary. He played in 13 games last season, starting five, and made a notable impact with 27 total tackles, including two for a loss, and two pass breakups. The university has stated that they are monitoring the legal process while gathering more information.
Florida DB Dijon Johnson Arrested on Felony Charges
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Gators junior DB Dijon Johnson was taken into custody by the Tampa Police Department on May 2. He was booked in the early hours of May 3 and released on bond the following day.
The charges are significant: a third-degree felony for possession of a controlled substance and a second-degree felony for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Details surrounding the arrest are still emerging, but reports from Sources indicate that Johnson claimed he was unaware of the firearm in the car and that it did not belong to him. This could lead to some charges being reduced or dropped, though it’s too early to predict the legal outcome.
The University of Florida has acknowledged the situation, releasing a statement that it is aware of the arrest. It will continue cooperating with the legal and administrative processes while collecting more information.
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Florida junior DB Dijon Johnson was arrested on multiple charges earlier today.
• a third-degree felony for possession of a controlled substance
• second-degree felony possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
• misdemeanor possession of… pic.twitter.com/Ad1rqSKyUm— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 6, 2025
For fans, immediate concern is how this arrest will affect their standing with the team and their long-term prospects.
As a junior, he was on track to be a cornerstone of Florida’s defense in 2025, and if he continued to develop, he could attract NFL scouts.
His performance late in the 2024 season showed he could handle the demands of SEC football, and many expected him to take on a larger role this fall.
In Florida, possession of a controlled substance can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison, while a second-degree felony, like the firearm charge, can lead to up to 15 years. Even if some charges are dropped or reduced, potentially due to his claim about the firearm, the legal process could drag on, creating uncertainty about his playing availability.
