Chosen in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Georgia, Charles Johnson joined the Carolina Panthers as a physical, heavy-handed defensive end. Over an 11-year career spent entirely in Charlotte, Johnson earned the nickname "Big Money" for his clutch playmaking and durable presence, becoming the cornerstone of Carolina's defensive front throughout the 2010s.

Johnson integrated formidable strength, minimal leverage, and polished hand techniques on the left flank of the defense. Instead of depending exclusively on speed, he subdued offensive tackles with a bull-rush that fragmented the pocket into the quarterback's vicinity. Equally proficient in defending the run, Johnson established a solid perimeter boundary, consistently stacking and shedding tight ends and tackles to halt ball-carriers at the line of scrimmage.

Following his tenure as a backup during his initial three seasons, Johnson emerged as a full-time starter in 2010, accumulating 11.5 sacks. This achievement secured him a significant contract extension, which he demonstrated was well justified by producing back-to-back seasons with double-digit sacks: 9.0 sacks in 2011, a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2012, and 11.0 sacks in 2013.

During Carolina's historic 15–1 season in 2015, Johnson was a key leader on the defensive unit. Although a hamstring injury restricted his participation during the regular season, he demonstrated resilience during the playoffs by successfully stripping Carson Palmer in the NFC Championship Game and delivering an outstanding performance in Super Bowl 50, where he achieved five tackles and secured a sack against the Denver Broncos.

Johnson remained a key starter and mentor through the 2017 season, passing along his veteran knowledge to younger pass rushers. Carolina released him in February 2018 and honored his long service. Johnson officially hung up his cleats as a "Lifer" who spent all 11 of his professional seasons in Western North Carolina. At the time of his retirement, his 67.5 sacks trailed only Julius Peppers in Panthers history. With the team, Johnson played in 143 regular-season games (114 starts), recording 305 tackles, 67.5 sacks, and 19 forced fumbles.