Former Auburn Tigers quarterback is running it back in Mexico pro football, and he’s already setting career highs
Jeremy Johnson is already considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in LFA history. In Week 1 of the 2026 season in Mexico’s pro football, he got off to a hot start in his search for redemption.
CHIHUAHUA, Mex. — Former Auburn Tigers quarterback Jeremy Johnson is running it back in Mexico’s pro football league, the LFA (Liga de Fútbol Americano). And he’s doing so in style with the Chihuahua Caudillos.
On Saturday night, Johnson led the Caudillos to a 38-20 Week 1 win over the Valle de México Raptors. The stat sheet marked a career-high for him.
Johnson threw five passing touchdowns in the game, the most he has thrown in a single game since his LFA debut in 2023. He connected with three different wide receivers for scores.
Johnson, Caudillos are in search of redemption
Johnson has become a historic figure in Mexico’s pro football. In 2023 and 2024, he led the Caudillos to back-to-back undefeated champions. He was named league MVP in 2024—also receiving Mexico Bowl MVP that year.
The 2025 season, however, was a bump on the road. After originally announcing his retirement on social media, Johnson arrived midseason following the Caudillos’ first loss ever in the LFA.
And while the team improved with him at QB, the lack of chemistry was a key issue on offense. The Caudillos fell short in a tight semifinal game against the Monterrey Osos, a franchise that’s been one of Chihuahua’s toughest rivals over the years.
“We’ll be back,” Johnson said following last year’s playoff defeat.
Leading up to the 2026 season, Johnson has worked hard to keep that promise. Teammates have publicly spoken about him doubling down as a leader. At 31 years old, Johnson lost nearly 15 pounds to be ready for the season.
The goal is clear: Prove that the LFA still runs through the Caudillos.
“In our minds, this is our league and this league runs through us,” Johnson said before Saturday’s win. “[We’re always the team to beat], that’s the goal each and every year, and we’re standing on that.”
Week 1 was a step in the right direction.
Next week, the former Auburn Tiger will play in what’s considered the Tom Brady-Payton Manning of the LFA. On one hand, it’ll be him—a two-time champion and former MVP. On the other, star quarterback Shelton Eppler from the Osos. It should be a fun one.