Jessica Simpson And Eric Johnson: The Shocking 2025 Split, Co-Parenting Life, And Who Her Estranged Husband Is

The relationship between pop culture icon Jessica Simpson and her husband, Eric Johnson, has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn in 2025. After over a decade of marriage and a long-standing reputation as one of Hollywood's most enduring couples, the pair confirmed in early 2025 that they have separated and are currently navigating a painful situation in their marriage. This news comes as a shock to fans who have followed their journey from their 2010 meeting to raising their three children. Despite the separation, the former NFL tight end and the singer/mogul have made it clear that their three children remain their top priority, focusing on a united front for co-parenting. As of late 2025, they have been seen reuniting for important family milestones, including their daughter Maxwell's 6th-grade graduation and spending holidays like Thanksgiving together, demonstrating a commitment to family harmony even while living separately. This deep-dive article explores the full biography of Eric Johnson, the timeline of their relationship, and the latest updates on their post-split lives.

Eric Johnson: Biography of Jessica Simpson's Estranged Husband

Before his high-profile relationship with Jessica Simpson, Eric Johnson was a successful athlete with a career in the National Football League (NFL). His life has spanned from the football field to the quiet life of a devoted father and husband—a role that has recently shifted to co-parenting partner.

Full Name: Eric Maxwell Johnson

Date of Birth: September 15, 1979

Age (as of 2025): 46

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Hometown: Needham, Massachusetts

Education: Yale University

Career: Former NFL Tight End

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NFL Teams: San Francisco 49ers (2001–2006), New Orleans Saints (2007–2008)

Draft: 2001 NFL Draft, 7th Round, 224th Overall (San Francisco 49ers)

First Marriage: Keri Johnson (m. 2005; div. 2010)

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Spouse: Jessica Simpson (m. 2014; separated 2025)

Children: Maxwell Drew Johnson, Ace Knute Johnson, Birdie Mae Johnson

From Yale to the NFL: Eric Johnson's Football Career

Eric Johnson was a standout player at Yale University, where he earned a degree and was a key member of the football team. His athletic prowess led him to the NFL, where he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2001. Johnson played as a tight end for the 49ers for several seasons, showcasing his skills as a reliable receiver. He later spent time with the New Orleans Saints, concluding his professional football career in 2008. While his NFL career was solid, it was his post-football life and relationship with Jessica Simpson that brought him international media attention.

The Decade-Long Romance: A Relationship Timeline That Ended in 2025

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson’s relationship began in a classic Hollywood fashion and quickly developed into a committed partnership that weathered years of public scrutiny, career changes, and parenthood.

• May 2010: The First Meeting. The couple was introduced by mutual friends, and their connection was immediate. At the time, Johnson was still legally married but separated from his first wife, Keri Johnson.
• November 2010: The Engagement. After just six months of dating, the pair announced their engagement, with Johnson proposing with a custom ruby and diamond ring.
• May 2012: First Child Born. Simpson and Johnson welcomed their first child, a daughter named Maxwell Drew Johnson.
• June 2013: Second Child Arrives. Their family grew quickly with the birth of their son, Ace Knute Johnson, just 13 months after their daughter.
• July 2014: The Wedding. After a lengthy engagement, the couple married in a lavish ceremony at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. The wedding was a private, star-studded affair, solidifying their status as a Hollywood power couple.
• March 2019: Third Child. The family was completed with the arrival of their third child, Birdie Mae Johnson.
• January 2025: Separation Confirmed. After over 10 years of marriage, Jessica Simpson released a statement confirming that she and Eric Johnson were living separately and "navigating a painful situation" in their marriage.

Life After the Split: Co-Parenting and New Directions

The news of the separation in early 2025 has shifted the public focus from the couple's romance to their commitment to their family unit. Both Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have been vocal about their priority: their three children.

Prioritizing the Children and Family Milestones

Despite the emotional difficulty of the split, Simpson and Johnson have maintained a unified front for the sake of Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie. This commitment to collaborative co-parenting has been evident in their public appearances together. For instance, they reunited for their daughter Maxwell's 6th-grade graduation, standing together as proud parents. Furthermore, Simpson confirmed that Johnson spent Thanksgiving with her and the rest of the family, emphasizing that family remains paramount. This mature approach to their separation ensures stability for their young children, a key entity in their current narrative.

Jessica Simpson's New Perspective and Career Focus

Following the split, Jessica Simpson has been open about the changes in her life and her personal growth. She has acknowledged that she is "different" now and is focusing on her well-being and career as a successful entrepreneur and author. In a recent interview, the 45-year-old star even joked about her newly single status, sharing that she is "into younger men at the moment," a comment that sparked significant media attention and highlighted her readiness to move forward. Her primary focus, however, remains her multi-million dollar fashion empire, The Jessica Simpson Collection, and her role as a dedicated mother.

Eric Johnson’s Role Post-NFL

Since retiring from the NFL, Eric Johnson has largely maintained a private life, often stepping back to support his wife's career and focus on fatherhood. While he has occasionally appeared alongside Simpson on television and in her social media posts, his professional endeavors post-football have been kept mostly out of the spotlight. His current role is primarily that of a co-parent and dedicated father, ensuring his children's stability during this transition. The separation of Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly stable celebrity marriages can face unforeseen challenges. Their journey now is one of transition, focusing on a respectful and functional co-parenting relationship to navigate their new reality. Fans continue to follow the story, hoping for a peaceful resolution for the family.