Former Texas Longhorn and Kansas City Chief linebacker Derrick Johnson—known to his many fans simply as “DJ”—has officially hoisted his swanky estate in Austin’s exclusive Spanish Oaks gated community up for sale.
The founder and president of the Defend the Dream Foundation, which serves low-income and inner-city youth, acquired the modern residence back in 2018. Now, six years later, the place has returned to the market with a nearly $4 million ask.
Custom-built by Olson Defendorf in 2015, and designed by Geschke Group Architecture, the creamy stucco and brick structure features five bedrooms and five bathrooms in a little more than 5,400 square feet of multi-level living space boasting an office wing, a gym, movie theater and bar-equipped game room. Other posh amenities can be found amid the landscaped grounds, which span just over 1.5 acres and host a two-level swimming pool with a waterpark-quality slide, fire-pit, children’s playhouse and picturesque views of the surrounding Hill Country terrain.
A covered al fresco entertaining area off the lower level overlooks a waterslide-equipped swimming pool.JP Morales/Compass
Once inside, highlights include a spacious great room spotlighted by a living area adorned with a linear fireplace flanked by built-in shelving and a wall of glass doors spilling out to a covered al fresco entertaining terrace holding a built-in barbecue station with a Big Green Egg. An adjacent dining area connects to the gourmet kitchen, which is furnished with quartz countertops, an expansive eat-in island and top-tier stainless appliances.
Elsewhere is a sumptuous master retreat flaunting a walk-in closet, as well as a spa-inspired bath outfitted with dual vanities, a soaking tub and separate shower; and rounding it all out is a motorcourt and attached garages with room for up to three vehicles, along with access to Spanish Oaks facilities ranging from a private golf club with a top-ranked, 18-hole course to a fully stocked fish camp.
Glass-and-wood double front doors open into a great room showcased by a fireside living room.JP Morales/Compass
Now retired, Johnson was originally selected as the 15th pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, where he earned four Pro Bowls, two All-Pro picks and Pro Bowl Defensive MVP during his 13-season tenure. The 41-year-old Waco, Texas, native then played for the Oakland Raiders for a short time before signing a one-day ceremonial contract to retire with the Chiefs in 2019 as the franchise’s all-time leading tackler. The former Nagurski and Butkus award winner also recently became the 25th Longhorn inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2023.
The listing is held by Michelle Jones and Todd Grossman of Compass.