Published on October 22, 2026
By Office of Communication
Xian Johnson, a senior safety on Lamar High School’s football team, has been recognized as the City of Arlington’s Student-Athlete of the Month for October 2026.
Johnson has established himself as a standout defensive player, earning First-Team All-District honors as a safety during his junior year after being named Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore. His talent has also earned him a spot on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s list of the top 100 players to watch in 2026.
As a leader on the field, Johnson brings energy and experience to the Vikings’ defense, helping set the tone for his teammates.
“Most of the other guys understand that he’s been doing it for a long time,” said Lamar Head Football Coach Zach Najarro. “When he’s flying around, when he’s bringing emotion, those guys really feed off that. For us, he’s the quarterback of our defense.”
Johnson’s success on the field has opened doors for his future, with college offers to continue playing football at the next level. After high school, he plans to attend college and study business.
Congratulations to Xian on being this month’s honoree!
You can learn more about Arlington ISD’s athletic programs across the school district.