BERKELEY – Head coach Justin Wilcox announced Wednesday that defensive lineman Brett Johnson will miss the 2021 season after successful surgery to repair a broken hip sustained in an automobile accident. Johnson is expected to make a full recovery and be available for the 2022 campaign. He will have three seasons of collegiate eligibility remaining when he returns in 2022.

"While we will certainly miss Brett on the field this coming season, the most important thing right now is that he focus on his overall health and well-being," Wilcox said. "As his teammates and coaches, we will help him through this difficult time. When he is ready to return to the field, we will welcome him with open arms."

"I appreciate all of the support I have received from my family, friends, teammates, coaches and so many others since the accident," Johnson said. "I am looking forward to making a full recovery and getting back on the field in 2022."

Below are notes on Johnson with his name linked to his extended Cal football bio.
 
Brett Johnson, DL, 6-5, 300, Jr., 3rd Season At Cal, Phoenix, AZ (Desert Vista HS)
– Has played in all 17 games possible with 13 starts since arriving at Cal as a true freshman in 2019 and posted career totals of 46 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss (-26 yards), 3.0 sacks (-19 yards), one pass breakup, one pass defended and one fumble recovery
– Started all four games in a 2020 sophomore season shortened by COVID-19 and was tied for third on the team and first among defensive linemen with 20 tackles, while adding 2.5 tackles for loss (-8 yards) and a career-high-tying 1.5 sacks (-7 yards), as well as his lone career pass breakup and pass defended
– Named third-team preseason All-Pac-12 by Athlon Sports as a 2020 sophomore
– Earned third-team Freshman All-American and third-team All-Pac-12 honors from Pro Football Focus as a 2019 freshman when he played in all 13 games with nine starts and contributed career highs of 26 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss (career-high -18 yards), as well as a career-high-tying 1.5 sacks (career-high -12 yards), and his lone career quarterback hurry and fumble recovery