The $200 Million Split: 7 Shocking Facts About Eric Johnson's Personal Life After Jessica Simpson Separation

The personal life of Eric Johnson, the former NFL tight end, has been thrust back into the global spotlight as of early 2025, following the shocking news of his separation from his wife of ten years, pop culture icon and fashion mogul Jessica Simpson. The couple, who share three children, confirmed in January 2025 that they are currently living separately and are "navigating a painful situation" in their high-profile marriage. This development has sparked intense media speculation, particularly regarding the fate of their combined family and financial empire. The separation marks a significant turning point for Johnson, whose post-football career has been defined almost entirely by his relationship with Simpson. While his professional football tenure was notable, his decade-long role as a dedicated husband and father to their three kids has been the primary focus of his public life. The unfolding events now cast a critical eye on his biography, his financial standing relative to Simpson's $200 million fortune, and the future of their family unit outside of their $17.9 million Hidden Hills home.

Eric Johnson: Complete Biography and NFL Career Profile

Eric Maxwell Johnson is an American former professional football player who spent seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) as a tight end. His career was marked by a strong start, a significant injury, and a quiet retirement that led him into a new chapter of celebrity family life.

• Full Name: Eric Maxwell Johnson
• Date of Birth: September 15, 1979
• Age (as of December 2025): 46 years old
• Place of Birth: Needham, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Education: Yale University (graduated with a degree in Sociology)
• NFL Draft: Selected in the 7th round (224th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
• NFL Teams: San Francisco 49ers (2001–2006), New Orleans Saints (2007).
• Career Highlights: Had a breakout season in 2004 with 82 catches for 825 yards, earning him the team’s "Most Valuable Player" award.
• Retirement: Retired from the NFL in 2008.
• Previous Marriage: Keri D'Angelo Cohen (2005–2010)
• Spouse (Estranged): Jessica Simpson (2014–2025)
• Children: Maxwell Drew Johnson, Ace Knute Johnson, Birdie Mae Johnson

Johnson's football career, though relatively brief, was highly respected, especially considering his success coming from an Ivy League institution like Yale. He was a solid tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, but his time in the league was hampered by a season-ending injury in 2003, which ultimately curtailed his momentum.

The Shocking Separation: Navigating a Painful Situation in 2025

The biggest revelation in Eric Johnson’s personal life came in late 2024 and was confirmed in January 2025: the end of his decade-long marriage to Jessica Simpson. The news was made public by Simpson herself, who stated that they were "living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage." This announcement followed months of swirling rumors about the couple being in a "lull period" and facing significant marital issues. The separation is particularly noteworthy because Johnson and Simpson had cultivated an image of a supportive, rock-solid partnership, often praised for helping Simpson overcome her struggles with sobriety and body image.

The Financial Fallout: A $200 Million Battle

The financial stakes of the separation are immense, primarily due to Jessica Simpson's massive success as a singer, actress, and, most lucratively, a fashion designer. Her brand, the Jessica Simpson Collection, has generated billions in revenue over the years, leaving her with a personal fortune reportedly around $200 million. Reports indicate that Simpson is already taking steps to protect her considerable wealth. While the specifics of their prenuptial agreement remain private, the divorce proceedings are anticipated to be a contentious battle over assets, given the significant disparity between Simpson's net worth and Johnson's estimated career earnings from the NFL.

The Hidden Hills Mansion and Real Estate Moves

Another clear sign of the impending split was the real estate activity surrounding their family home. In the days immediately preceding the public announcement of their separation, the couple listed their extraordinary $17.9 million Hidden Hills mansion for sale. This sprawling property, which Simpson originally purchased from rock legend Ozzy Osbourne in 2013, has been the backdrop for their family life and the setting for many of their public social media posts. The decision to sell the home, which is valued as high as $22 million, indicates a definitive move to dismantle their shared life. Simpson has also reportedly been house-hunting separately, signaling a permanent change in living arrangements.

Eric Johnson's Defining Role: Fatherhood and Post-NFL Life

Despite the professional football career and the current marital crisis, Eric Johnson's most consistent and defining role over the past decade has been that of a dedicated, hands-on father. He and Simpson share three children, whose well-being remains the stated priority for both parents during this difficult transition. The children are:

• Maxwell "Maxi" Drew Johnson: Born May 1, 2012 (Age 13)
• Ace Knute Johnson: Born June 30, 2013 (Age 12)
• Birdie Mae Johnson: Born March 19, 2019 (Age 6)

Simpson has often publicly praised Johnson's parenting, describing him as a supportive and present figure in their lives. The separation statement underscored this commitment, with Simpson noting that their "children come first." The focus on co-parenting is expected to be the central theme as they move forward. In terms of his post-NFL professional life, Johnson has largely remained out of the traditional career spotlight. Unlike many former athletes, he did not immediately transition into coaching or sports commentary. Instead, he took on a supportive role in Simpson's demanding life as a singer, entrepreneur, and author of the successful memoir *Open Book*. Johnson was often credited with providing the stability and encouragement Simpson needed during her most challenging personal periods, making his retreat from their shared life all the more significant. His current professional ventures or future career path post-separation are not yet clearly defined, leaving his next chapter a subject of intense public curiosity.