Jessica Simpson's new boyfriend: ex-NFL player Eric Johnson [updated]

Thanks to Jessica Simpson, former NFL tight end Eric Johnson is a free agent no more -- at least when it comes to dating.

The two have been seeing each other since May, People reports, after being introduced by friends. He's separated from his wife, who filed for divorce earlier this year. Johnson played for the San Francisco 49ers and more recently for the New Orleans Saints; they released him in July 2008, ahead of their run for the most recent NFL championship.

Simpson's most recent high-profile relationship was with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who dumped her right before her 29th birthday. Simpson turns 30 on Saturday.

[For the record, 5 p.m. July 9: An earlier version of this post said Simpson turned 30 on Saturday. Her 30th birthday falls on Saturday, July 10.]

Johnson's apparently "one of the nicest guys around," a former NFL co-worker tells People. And smart too. Went to Yale and all that.

Jessica, we'd like to remind you, did not go to Yale. 

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Jessica Simpson poses with a surprise birthday cake at a casino club opening in West Virginia on July 2, 2010. Hope that puppy's vegan, as Jessica's recently been shedding pounds the new-fashioned way, through a vegan diet and "cupping," to remove toxins.  Credit: Bryan Bedder / Getty Images

Comments

[Tricia]

I think it's great, she's a doll and deserves happiness and most everyday average people wish them all the best! If they live with-in thier means and dont let Hoyywood bribe them they'll be ok.

[Yvonne]

JESSICA SHOULD HAVE STAYED MARRIED TO NICK. IT SEEMS SHE IS HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING A MAN!!!!

[tony romo jersey]

What will happen if Jessica gets married with Eric in the end? Will they be happy?

[China Doll]

Excuse me, but why do you assume a woman needs to "find a man"? Life is not all about finding a man. It's about being happy and finding fulfillment universally. She is often connected with different relationships so "finding a man" is not a problem for her. What do you know about her personally? How do you know she's looking for a husband? Maybe she's just looking for the right person to spend time with, which she often does. Doesn't mean she has to stick with them. Leave her alone.