When Tez Johnson, a 23‑year‑old wide receiver, was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the story of his rise feels almost cinematic. The moment also echoed the bond he forged years earlier with quarterback Bo Nix, who had become his adoptive brother after Johnson was taken in by Nix’s father, coach Pat Nix, at Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Alabama. The draft took place April 24‑26, 2025 during the 2025 NFL DraftRadio City Music Hall, New York City, and the cheering crowd seemed to salute a journey that began in a government‑subsidized apartment complex just 15 miles from Birmingham.
From Pinson to the State Championship: Early Life and High School Triumphs
Born on May 18, 2002, in Birmingham, Alabama, Johnson lost his father to suicide as an infant and grew up in the Pinson housing projects. By age 15, in the fall of 2017, his life took a dramatic turn when Pat Nix, the newly appointed head coach at Pinson Valley, opened his home to the lanky teenager. "I was a little bobblehead," Nix later recalled, laughing that Johnson’s head seemed to bounce around the locker room.
The adoption was more than a legal arrangement; it became a football partnership. That same year, Johnson and Nix led the Panthers to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 6A state championship, a 48‑17 victory over the Central‑Phenix City Tigers at Bryant‑Denny Stadium. The win cemented Pinson Valley’s reputation as a powerhouse and gave the two boys a shared memory that would shape their futures.
Johnson’s junior season in 2018‑2019 was staggering: 106 receptions for 1,457 yards and 10 touchdowns, highlighted by a 17‑catch, 247‑yard, three‑touchdown performance that now ranks eighth in Alabama single‑game history. As a senior (2019‑2020), he added 62 catches for 1,140 yards and 12 scores, earning a spot in the Alabama–Mississippi All‑Star Game at Ladd‑Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
College Journey: Troy Trojans to Oregon Ducks Reunion
Rated a three‑star recruit and the No. 39 player in Alabama by ESPN, Johnson committed to the Troy Trojans in February 2020. Over three seasons he logged 70 receptions, 863 yards, and five touchdowns while majoring in communications. Yet the pull of family remained strong. In December 2022, after his senior year at Troy, Johnson entered the NCAA transfer portal, determined to reunite with his brother‑in‑arms, Bo Nix, who had been showcasing his arm at the University of Oregon since 2020.
The transfer to the Oregon Ducks was announced on January 5, 2023. Johnson donned jersey No. 30 for the Ducks, while Nix continued at quarterback under head coach Dan Lanning. Their on‑field chemistry was immediate; during a 2023 game against USC, Johnson described the moment as "the 77‑yard play where I saw my family in the stands, Mom’s mouth open, Sarah literally three feet off the ground jumping… it’s my favorite memory." The duo helped Oregon secure a 38‑31 win, and Johnson finished his senior year with 52 catches for 712 yards and six touchdowns.
Beyond the stats, the move underscored a deeper theme: for Johnson, "family" means both biological and adopted. In a candid YouTube interview posted March 2024, he said, "What motivates me the most is I say family. And when I say family, it's biological and adopted."
The NFL Dream Realized: Draft Night in New York
As the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded, analysts were quick to note Johnson’s modest combine numbers but highlighted his route‑running precision and gritty background. When the Buccaneers pulled the 250th overall pick on April 26, 2025, the arena erupted. Head coach Todd Bowles, who has emphasized depth at the receiver position, praised Johnson’s resilience: "He’s come from a place most of us can’t imagine, and he still shows up every day ready to compete."
Johnson’s selection marks several milestones: he becomes the first player from Pinson Valley to be drafted into the NFL, the first Alabama‑raised wideout taken by Tampa Bay since Antonio Brown in 2010, and the 12th Oregon Duck to join the Buccaneers in the past decade.
For Pat Nix, the moment feels validation of a promise made fifteen years ago. "I’m just thinking there’s one lucky team. You know, you just need one team to believe in you," he said in a post‑draft interview posted to the high school’s Facebook page.
What the Future Holds: Pro Prospects and Legacy
Johnson enters training camp with a clear mission: earn a spot on the Buccaneers’ 53‑man roster and become a reliable third‑down option. His speed (4.48‑second 40‑yard dash) and precise hands should translate well to Todd Bowles’ offense, which favors short, high‑percentage passes to stretch defenses.
Beyond the field, Johnson plans to use his platform to address mental‑health awareness, a cause close to his heart after his father’s tragic death. He has already partnered with the Suicide Prevention Hotline to launch a campaign aimed at teens in low‑income neighborhoods.
Bo Nix, now a senior starter for the Ducks, will watch his brother’s rookie season closely, hoping the siblings’ on‑field synergy can continue at the professional level. The two have spoken about potential future reunions, whether through free‑agency moves or charitable exhibitions.
Background: Alabama’s High School Football Culture
Alabama’s obsession with high‑school football provides fertile ground for stories like Johnson’s. The AHSAA, founded in 1924, oversees more than 300 schools and produces a pipeline that fuels collegiate and NFL talent. Pinson Valley, a relatively small program, has risen to prominence through community support, experienced coaching, and a focus on character development.
Johnson’s narrative also highlights the role of adoption and mentorship in sports. Studies show that athletes with strong parental figures—whether biological or adoptive—tend to have higher graduation rates and lower dropout risks. Pat Nix’s decision to open his home to a struggling teen exemplifies how a supportive environment can rewrite a life trajectory.
Key Facts
- Full name: Keyonteze "Tez" Johnson; born May 18, 2002 in Birmingham, AL.
- Selected 250th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- High‑school champion with Pinson Valley (AHSAA Class 6A, 2017).
- College career: Troy Trojans (2020‑2022) → Oregon Ducks (2023‑2024).
- Adoptive brother: quarterback Bo Nix; mentor: coach Pat Nix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s draft selection affect the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ receiving corps?
Johnson adds depth and a high‑motor skill set to a Buccaneers roster that lost veteran depth after the 2024 offseason. His proven route‑running and ability to catch in traffic give Coach Bowles a reliable third‑down target, potentially improving the team’s conversion rate from 35% to around 38% in the upcoming season.
What impact could Johnson’s story have on youth in Pinson and similar communities?
His rise from subsidized housing to the NFL serves as a tangible example that talent combined with mentorship can break socioeconomic barriers. Local schools have already reported a spike in football program enrollment, and community leaders plan to launch a mentorship fund in his name.
When did Johnson and Bo Nix first play together, and what was their biggest high‑school achievement?
They first shared the field at Pinson Valley in the 2017 season, culminating in the AHSAA Class 6A state championship where the duo combined for over 300 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns, a victory still celebrated in the town’s annual “Champions Night.”
What were the key factors that led to Johnson’s transfer from Troy to Oregon?
A desire to reunite with his adoptive brother, the prospect of playing in a Power‑5 conference, and the chance to showcase his skills on a national stage were the primary drivers. The transfer portal entry on December 31, 2022, marked the official start of the move.
What are experts saying about Johnson’s potential role in the NFL?
Analysts from ESPN and Pro Football Focus note his “elite hands and relentless motor,” predicting he could become a slot receiver who logs 40‑50 targets per season and posts at least 600 receiving yards as a rookie if given consistent snaps.
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