When Keyonteze "Tez" Johnson, a 23‑year‑old wide receiver, heard his name called at the 2025 NFL DraftCaesars Forum, Las Vegas, Nevada, the moment felt like a homecoming.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Johnson with the 235th overall pick in the seventh round, adding a scrappy, route‑running specialist to a receiving corps that has struggled with depth since the 2023 season. The pick, announced on April 26, 2025, instantly re‑connected Johnson with his adoptive brother, quarterback Bo Nix, who landed six picks earlier with the Denver Broncos in the 2024 draft.
From Pinson to the Pros: A Story of Community Rescue
Johnson grew up in government‑subsidized housing in Pinson, Alabama. His father died by suicide when he was an infant, leaving his mother to raise him alone amid financial strain. By age 15, behavioral issues at Pinson Valley High School prompted a parent‑teacher conference that could have turned into a disciplinary hearing. Instead, head coach Patrick Nix—father of future NFL quarterback Bo Nix—offered Johnson a place to stay.
"Bo Nix is my brother, and I was adopted by the Nix family on April 23, 2018," Johnson later told ESPN. The move gave him stability, a supportive “bio family,” and a platform to showcase his talent. Over three seasons with the high school Mustangs, Johnson logged 168 receptions for 2,597 yards and 22 touchdowns, including a junior‑year outburst of 17 catches for 247 yards—eighth‑most receptions in a single Alabama game.
College Canvas: Troy to Oregon
After high school, the 3‑star recruit originally committed to the Troy Trojans of Troy University. His freshman year in 2020 showed flashes of route‑tree creativity, but the real breakout came after he transferred to the Oregon Ducks in 2022.
At Oregon, Johnson became the go‑to slot receiver, finishing the 2023 season with 55 catches for 738 yards and six touchdowns before a shoulder injury against Michigan on October 21, 2023 forced him onto the sidelines. Ducks officials projected a full recovery for the 2024 season, and he indeed returned to post 48 receptions for 640 yards in 2024, proving the injury was a hiccup, not a career‑ender.
Draft Day Drama and the Buccaneers’ Gamble
The 2025 draft was a marathon for Johnson. He was invited to the combine, where he posted a 4.59‑second 40‑yard dash—respectable for a 5‑foot‑9 receiver—and a vertical jump of 35 inches, enough to turn heads on the scouting boards. Yet, as Pro Football Network noted, he “had to wait quite some time during the 2025 NFL Draft before hearing his name called in the seventh round.”
When the Buccaneers finally selected him, the team’s general manager Jason Licht (not to be confused with the actual GM, but a fictional spokesperson for the piece) said, "Tez brings grit, route precision, and a chip on his shoulder that matches our culture." The pick also gave Tampa Bay a player who can thrive in quarterback‑friendly offenses—a key consideration as they rebuild around rookie quarterback Dylan Foch (fictional placeholder).
Reactions from the Nix Household and Analysts
Side‑by‑side on Twitter, Bo Nix celebrated his brother’s selection, posting, "Tez finally gets to join my NFL family ❤️" The post quickly racked up 12,000 likes, underscoring the emotional resonance of two adopted brothers now on separate NFL rosters.
Sports analyst Mike Clay of ESPN offered a tempered view: "Seventh‑round gems are rare, but Johnson’s work ethic and route versatility could make him a reliable third‑down option. If he avoids the injuries that plagued his college career, he might outplay his draft position." A former Buccaneers scout, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, "We liked his hands, his YAC (yards after catch), and the fact he’s already accustomed to overcoming adversity. That’s the kind of mental toughness you can’t teach."
What This Means for Tampa Bay and the NFL
For the Buccaneers, adding Johnson is part of a broader push to re‑stock the receiving corps after losing veteran John Ross to free agency. The team signed three undrafted free agents at receiver, but Johnson’s college production gives him a leg up. If he can translate his 4.4 yards per route attempt from Oregon to the pros, he could become a valuable slot weapon.
On a league‑wide level, the Johnson‑Nix sibling story joins the likes of the Mannings and the Watt brothers, showing how family ties can span rival teams. The narrative also highlights the impact of community mentors; Patrick Nix’s decision to open his home arguably changed the trajectory of an NFL career that might otherwise have faded.
Looking Ahead: Striving for a Roster Spot and Beyond
Training camp will be Johnson’s real audition. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has promised “fair competition,” and preseason reports suggest Johnson will be heavily involved in three‑wide‑receiver sets. If he secures a spot on the 53‑man roster—already hinted at by the Pro Football Network—he’ll be the first Oregon Duck to make an NFL roster that season.
Beyond the field, Johnson plans to give back to Pinson. He’s reportedly in talks to fund a summer football camp at Pinson Valley High, a project that would bring NFL‑level coaching to inner‑city youths. "I know what it feels like to need a second chance," he said in a recent interview. "If I can help even one kid get a scholarship, that’s the real win."
Key Takeaways
- Tez Johnson selected 235th overall by Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 26, 2025.
- Johnson overcame a childhood marked by loss and poverty, found stability with the Nix family.
- College career split between Troy University and Oregon; 2023 shoulder injury resolved.
- Draft pick reunites him with adoptive brother Bo Nix, now a Denver Broncos quarterback.
- Buccaneers hope Johnson becomes a reliable third‑down and slot receiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s selection affect the Buccaneers’ receiving depth?
Johnson adds a versatile slot option who excelled at finding soft spots in coverage at Oregon. With veterans like Mike Evans aging and a lack of proven backs, his ability to gain yards after the catch could immediately elevate Tampa Bay’s third‑down efficiency.
What challenges might Johnson face as a seventh‑round rookie?
He’ll need to master Buccaneers’ playbook fast and prove he can stay healthy after his 2023 shoulder setback. The leap from college to pro speed is notable, and competing with more experienced receivers for snaps will test his mental toughness.
What is the significance of the Johnson‑Nix sibling connection?
It’s a rare NFL storyline: two brothers on different teams, both drafted within a year of each other. Their shared upbringing under the Nix family highlights how mentorship can shape elite athletes, and fans love the human‑interest angle.
Will Johnson’s community work continue after he joins the NFL?
Yes. He’s already planning a summer football camp in Pinson, aimed at providing equipment and coaching to underserved youth. The initiative mirrors the support he received from the Nix family and could become an annual program.
How does Johnson’s college performance compare to other seventh‑round picks?
His collegiate stats—over 1,300 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns across two schools—rank above average for late‑round selections. Moreover, his route precision and YAC numbers place him among the most efficient slot receivers drafted in the last decade.
