Tez Johnson’s NFL Rise: Buccaneers Rookie WR’s Impact and Family Bond with Bo Nix

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson has burst onto the scene in the NFL, catching two touchdowns in Tampa Bay's 28-23 loss to the New England Patriots in week 10

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson has quickly made a name for himself in the NFL, impressing fans and analysts alike with his remarkable performance early in his professional career. Johnson caught two touchdowns in a close 28-23 game against the New England Patriots in Week 10, showcasing his talent and potential on the field. His journey is intertwined with his adopted brother, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, with whom he shares a unique family bond and a remarkable football story that spans high school, college, and now the NFL.

Key points:

• Tez Johnson initially played quarterback before switching to wide receiver, a position now flourishing in the NFL, while his adopted brother Bo Nix took over as quarterback.

• The brothers starred together at the University of Oregon in 2023, forming one of the nation's most productive quarterback-receiver duos.

• Bo Nix was drafted 12th overall by the Denver Broncos in 2024; Tez Johnson was picked in the seventh round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025.

• Johnson shared a heartfelt moment with his adopted parents during a Buccaneers game, who are supporting both sons thriving in the NFL.

• Despite different NFL teams, the brothers' profound bond and mutual inspiration continue off and on the field, rooted in family and shared adversity.

A Rising Star: Tez Johnson's Early NFL Impact

Tez Johnson's rookie season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been marked by impressive performances that have drawn attention across the league. His standout game in Week 10, catching two touchdowns against the New England Patriots, highlights the skill set that made him a vital offensive weapon for Tampa Bay. Johnson’s transition to wide receiver has proven to be a successful and strategic move, complementing the established wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr., and pairing dynamically with fellow young receiver Emeka Egbuka.

From Quarterback Dreams to Wide Receiver Excellence

In an engaging moment captured by the Buccaneers, Johnson revealed that he originally aspired to be a quarterback—a position his adopted brother Bo Nix now excels in at the professional level with the Denver Broncos. "I was a quarterback, bro. I was a quarterback before my brother came and took my spot," Johnson remarked during pregame warmups with a smile. The friendly brotherly banter underscores how their individual paths have diverged yet remain closely connected. Bo Nix has compiled an 8-2 record in his NFL second season, while Johnson continues to shine as a dynamic receiver.

The Oregon Connection: A Record-Setting Duo

The brothers' football careers overlapped significantly at the University of Oregon, where they played together in 2023. That season saw Johnson catch 86 passes from Nix, amassing 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns—career highs that underscored their chemistry and effectiveness as a duo. Meanwhile, Nix delivered a stellar performance, finishing third in the prestigious Heisman Trophy voting with 4,508 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. Their collegiate success was a preview of the professional potential each now carries into the NFL.

Family and Football: The Adopted Brothers’ Journey

Tez Johnson’s life story is marked by resilience and the transformative power of family. At 15 years old, facing challenges in his biological home life, Johnson was taken in by the Nix family, beginning a lifelong brotherly bond with Bo Nix. Although not legally adopted by Patrick and Krista Nix, Johnson considers himself an adopted brother, reflecting on the stability and care that changed the course of his life. "They took me in from all the stuff that was happening with my bio family," Johnson said, emphasizing the profound impact of the Nix family’s support.

Their relationship transcended football fields—they forged a close personal bond throughout high school and college, joined by a shared love for the sport and family values. This support structure proved pivotal as both advanced to the highest level of football, embodying a “dream come true” narrative rooted in hope and perseverance.

Support and Success Beyond the Field

At a Buccaneers game against the Patriots, Johnson’s adopted parents were warmly introduced to teammate Emeka Egbuka, reflecting the family’s ongoing role in Johnson’s career. Egbuka, a former Ohio State standout and a first-round 2025 NFL draft pick himself, has become a top young receiver, further enhancing the Buccaneers’ receiving corps alongside Johnson.

Johnson’s mother expressed admiration for Egbuka, having followed his games against Oregon during college. The mutual respect and admiration among these athletes highlight the close-knit relationships that extend beyond professional rivalries and into genuine camaraderie.

College Careers and NFL Draft Paths

Bo Nix began his college career at Auburn, showing promise despite uneven team results before transferring to Oregon for the 2022 season. His tenure at Oregon culminated in a top-three Heisman finish and setting career highs in multiple passing categories. Nix’s collegiate journey ended with a strong 12-2 season and a Fiesta Bowl victory. His achievements positioned him as a first-round NFL draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2024.

Tez Johnson spent his initial college years at Troy University before transferring to Oregon in 2023 to reunite with Nix. His season with the Ducks was highly productive, leading to his selection as the 16th most prolific catcher in NCAA history with 310 career receptions. In the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson was a seventh-round pick by the Buccaneers, quickly proving to be an invaluable asset.

Overcoming Adversity: Tez Johnson’s Early Life and the Nix Family’s Role

Born into difficult circumstances, Johnson lost his father by suicide as an infant and experienced a tumultuous home life. His biological mother, Shamika, arranged for him to stay temporarily with the Nix family during a challenging period. That temporary arrangement evolved into permanent mutual commitment and love, culminating in Johnson’s formal adoption on April 23, 2018. Johnson credits the family with providing structure, trust, and a loving environment that empowered him to excel both on and off the field.

Bo Nix speaks fondly of their relationship, describing Tez as “a brother, and soon after that, just like family,” highlighting the deep personal connection beyond football.

Siblings and Teammates: A Unique Football Chemistry

From high school at Pinson Valley to their shared season at Oregon, Bo and Tez displayed remarkable synergy as quarterback and receiver. Their football bond was part of the broader nurturing relationship, which has flourished at every stage—offering each other mentorship, motivation, and unwavering support.

Parallel NFL Careers and Shared Aspirations

Bo Nix’s ascent as a first-round draft pick and franchise quarterback for the Denver Broncos coincides with Johnson carving out his niche as a talented wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their simultaneous success, despite being on different teams, underscores the power of familial bonds and personal perseverance.

The brothers openly acknowledge the positive influence they have on each other’s preparation, work ethic, and mindset as they navigate the pressures and challenges of professional football. Their story exemplifies how stability, opportunity, and unconditional support can fundamentally alter a young athlete’s path and drive lifelong dreams.

In conclusion, Tez Johnson and Bo Nix’s narrative is far more than a tale of professional achievement. It is a testament to the resilience born from hardship, the strength of family—whether by blood or by choice—and the transformative power of mentorship and love. As both players continue to thrive in the NFL, their story resonates as an inspiration within the sports world and beyond.