Quick Read
- Tez Johnson was drafted 235th overall by the Buccaneers in 2025.
- Injuries to veteran receivers thrust Johnson into a starting role.
- Johnson has totaled 247 yards and 4 touchdowns over his last five games.
- He has developed strong chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
- Johnson credits his faith and teammates for his rapid growth.
Injury Crisis Opens Door for Tez Johnson
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers push through the grind of the 2025 NFL season, the team’s receiving corps has been tested in ways few could have predicted. Injuries to established stars like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan left the Bucs searching for answers. The solution, as it turned out, arrived in the form of Tez Johnson—a rookie whose journey from overlooked draft pick to essential playmaker has given Tampa Bay fans plenty to talk about.
Drafted 235th overall, Johnson was initially viewed as a depth piece, perhaps most valuable on special teams. But circumstances changed quickly. With the Bucs’ veterans sidelined, Johnson found himself thrust into a starting role. The result? Over the past five games, he’s racked up 247 receiving yards and four touchdowns, a significant leap from his single catch in the season’s first month. His snap count soared from just over 25% to more than 66%, reflecting the growing trust from coaches and teammates alike.
Building Chemistry with Baker Mayfield
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, tasked with steering a young offense, recognized the importance of getting rookies up to speed. Johnson’s emergence didn’t happen overnight; it was the product of hours spent on the practice field, learning the nuances of a complex playbook, and understanding Mayfield’s tendencies both in the pocket and on the move. Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard noted, “The chemistry on the practice side is definitely something you see more because he’s in there with the ones now.”
Johnson’s ability to adapt was on full display in critical moments—especially during scramble drills, when plays break down and improvisation takes over. Two of his recent touchdowns came in these situations, with Johnson positioning himself perfectly to be the target Mayfield needed. It’s a testament to both his football IQ and his willingness to seize opportunities when they arise.
Mindset, Faith, and Growth
For Johnson, the transition hasn’t just been about on-field production. Speaking with Pewter Report after practice, he was quick to credit his teammates for their encouragement and to emphasize his ongoing development. “Yes, thank God for the success that I’m having because without Him there’s no success, period. I feel like I still got things to grow in. Each week I’m learning, every time I go into a game.”
Johnson approaches every matchup as a chance to refine his skills. Facing new opponents means constantly adjusting, studying tendencies, and staying mentally sharp. He’s also grateful for Mayfield’s mentorship, noting the veteran’s commitment to building trust with younger players since day one.
Defining Moments: Making Plays Under Pressure
One of the signature moments of Johnson’s young career came against the New England Patriots. Down 28-16 late in the fourth quarter, Mayfield fired a laser into the right corner of the endzone. Johnson, locked in, made the catch for an 11-yard touchdown—breathing life into the Bucs’ comeback hopes. Asked about the play, he shrugged off any suggestion of heroics, describing it as routine: “It’s just me doing my job, staying alive, just being another asset to Baker.”
That attitude—steady, focused, and team-first—has endeared Johnson to coaches and teammates. Head coach Todd Bowles praised his competitive spirit: “He’s not going to turn anything down, and he’s really coming into his own, finding his place in this offense.”
The Road Ahead: Buffalo and Beyond
This weekend, Johnson faces another stiff test against the Buffalo Bills’ formidable defense. For the rookie, it’s another step in a season full of challenges. “It’s going to be a chess match,” he said, acknowledging the strategic battles that define games at this level. But Johnson’s confidence is growing, and his recent performances suggest he’s up to the task.
As the Bucs continue their playoff push, Johnson’s story is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. A month ago, he was barely on the radar. Now, he’s a reliable target in high-pressure situations—proof that preparation, resilience, and a little bit of faith can create opportunity from adversity.
Tez Johnson’s rise isn’t just a tale of filling gaps during an injury crisis; it’s about a young player embracing the spotlight, learning on the fly, and proving that even late-round picks can make a difference when given the chance. For Tampa Bay, Johnson’s emergence could be the spark that keeps their playoff hopes alive.