Who Is Jessica Simpson’s Husband, Eric Johnson? What We Know About the Former NFL Player

In case you missed it, Jessica Simpson released a new paperback edition of her bestselling memoir, Open Book—only this time, it's got even more details about her previous relationship with Nick Lachey.

In a collection of heartbreaking entries from her divorce journal, the 40-year-old star detailed her reaction to the split, adding that she was "afraid to be alone." (If you recall, Simpson and Lachey got divorced in 2006, after four years of marriage.) However, more than a decade and three children later, the happy mom has clearly moved on. She's now married to a guy named Eric Johnson and, by the looks of their adorable Instagram pics, they couldn't be happier together. But who is Jessica Simpson's husband and how did they meet? Luckily, we've got answers.

Eric Johnson is a retired football player who was in the NFL as a tight end. And according to ESPN, he actually played at Yale as a wide receiver, tight end, H-back and fullback. Johnson was then drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2001 NFL Draft, and in 2007, he moved on to sign a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. But by the following year, Johnson parted ways with the team, officially ending his football career.

Still, Johnson reportedly had plans to pursue a different career. He went to a two-year business school, but everything changed after he met his love, Simpson.

In her interview with People, Simpson revealed that they met in 2010 through a mutual friend, who invited Johnson to a party at her house. She said, "We connected on all levels. We both were ready for the real deal." Sounds like love at first sight to us!

After four years of dating, the couple tied the knot in July of 2014 at the San Ysidro Ranch in California. And it's safe to say that both the bride and groom got pretty emotional. While talking about the wedding, Johnson told People, "I saw my gorgeous wife coming towards me and she was crying. I think my heart was exploding a little bit."

Simpson also told the outlet, "It’s so surreal. This has been something we’ve wanted ever since we met."

We all know that Simpson had a previous marriage, but it turns out that Johnson was previously hitched as well. According to E! Online, the former athlete was married to a stylist named Keri D'Angelo for four and a half years. By the time he'd met Simpson, he and his ex-wife were already in the middle of divorce proceedings.