Being ‘Locked In’ with God Prepared This 39-Year-Old Backup QB for Stunning Win

Published: January 8, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

Washington Commanders backup quarterback Josh Johnson glorified God after starting and throwing his first touchdown pass since 2021.

“It’s indescribable,” Johnson said of what it felt like to beat the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-17 on Sunday. “Because it was an up and down game, you know, it’s like a reflection of life. Life is like this. It’s ups and downs and ups and downs and, man, we stuck together as a team.”

“And, you know, DQ called and says it’s gonna be a brotherhood game. And it really was a brotherhood win. The defense played awesome. They stood tall, you know, we had a couple laps, and nobody wavered, nobody blinked, and we just kept going. Man, I’m just grateful to be a part of this. Man, I really am so grateful to be a part of this,” he added.

Powerful: Commanders QB Josh Johnson gave all glory to God after starting and winning a game at 39 years old.

Related: Washington Commanders Stars Glorify God After OT Win

“I’m 39… don’t put no timetables on your opportunity. God been preparing me… you here for a reason.”

Johnson has played on 10+ NFL teams 🙏pic.twitter.com/FjgZ6zTpqP

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 5, 2026

Though he’s 39, Johnson isn’t surprised that he can still score touchdowns.

“It’s just a testimony that being locked in with God, like God’s been preparing me, and He’s been speaking to me like, ‘You are here for a reason.’ You know, when I was here in this field in 2023, you know that it was, it was a lot of darkness around me in that moment,” Johnson recalled.

“And, you know, He told me, and I prayed about it, and I said, ‘God, you still want me to do this? You know you’re gonna have to show me a sign,'” he said. “He showed me the signs, and He said, ‘Just keep going, keep having faith.’ And you know, I did. I’m just glad to be a part of his moment. Man, I’m so excited now.”

Johnson ended the night passing 14-of-22 completed throws for 131 yards. He also had one passing touchdown and added nine rushes for a total of 45 yards and one rushing touchdown, per ESPN.

Johnson has played for over 13 different teams throughout his time in the NFL and is the fourth oldest quarterback in the league, behind Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers.

It’s incredible to see Johnson praise God for His faithfulness as He continues to guide the athlete’s life and NFL career.

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