When Tez Johnson, a 22‑year‑old rookie, crossed the goal line at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025, the roar from the crowd was as much about relief as it was about celebration. The play gave him his first NFL touchdown, a 14‑yard reception from quarterback Baker Mayfield, and it turned a routine third‑quarter into a moment that would dominate the post‑game press conference.
Touchdown play and the laugh‑filled press conference
After the Buccaneers clinched a 27‑20 win over the Carolina Panthers, Johnson was asked to describe what went through his head as he leapt over defender Chris Brown. Instead of a textbook answer, he cracked a joke about his college days, saying, “I’ve been practicing that ‘hurdle‑and‑slide’ move in my backyard for years. My mom still thinks I’m just trying to get the trash can lid off.” Reporters from Duckswire noted that the humor helped ease the tension of being the week’s surprise contributor.
Head coach Todd Bowles praised the rookie, adding, “Tez showed poise you’d expect from a veteran. He made a tough catch in traffic and gave us momentum when we needed it most.” Bowles, 51, has overseen a rotating receiving corps this season, a situation forced by injuries to longtime stalwarts.
From Eugene to Tampa: Johnson’s rapid rise
Before the NFL, Johnson spent two seasons with the University of Oregon Ducks under head coach Dan Lanning. Over 2023 and 2024, he amassed 2,080 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns, helping the Ducks rank in the nation’s top five for total offense. His chemistry with Heisman‑finalist quarterbacks Bo Levi Nix and Dillon Gabriel turned Oregon into a high‑scoring juggernaut, averaging 42.3 points per game.
Draft day 2025 was a quiet affair for the 254th‑overall pick. The Buccaneers signed him on May 12 to a four‑year, $3.875 million contract with a $125 k signing bonus. Many analysts wrote him off as a “flier,” but the injuries that sidelined Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in the offseason turned that narrative on its head.
Wide‑receiver depth chart in flux
Evans, a 31‑year‑old veteran entering his 11th season, missed the first six weeks with a lingering hamstring issue. Godwin, 29, was out after a torn ACL in preseason. Their absences left a void that the Buccaneers tried to fill with a mix of veterans and rookies. Johnson’s breakout came at a moment when the coaching staff was scrambling to keep the passing game alive.
Former NFL star Sterling Shepard weighed in with a Sports Illustrated interview on October 21, stating, “When I saw Tez run that route, I thought, ‘This kid can be a real threat.’ He’s got the hands and the grit.” Shepard’s endorsement, though brief, gave Johnson’s name extra clout in the locker room.
What the numbers say
- Seven games in, Johnson logs 112 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.
- Target share rose from 3% in Week 1 to 12% by Week 7.
- The Buccaneers rank 15th in the NFL for passing yards per game after his emergence.
- In Oregon, his 20 career touchdowns still rank third all‑time for a two‑year span.
These stats matter because they illustrate how a late‑round pick can swing a team’s offensive rhythm. If Johnson continues at this clip, he could finish his rookie year with upwards of 600 yards, a figure that would place him among the top five rookie receivers historically.
Future outlook: Can Johnson cement his spot?
The next three weeks will be decisive. Should Evans and Godwin return, Johnson could slide back into a rotational role, but the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Dave Giovannoni, has hinted at a more “three‑wide” approach moving forward. That means Johnson may stay on the field even when the veterans are healthy.
Back at Oregon, the Ducks are already lining up freshman Dakorien Moore to fill the production gap Johnson left. Moore has 335 yards and two touchdowns in six games, but losing a player of Johnson’s caliber will likely keep Oregon’s recruiting staff busy for the rest of the season.
Why this matters to fans
For Tampa Bay supporters, Johnson’s humor and hustle provide a fresh storyline amid a franchise still searching for identity after the Tom Brady era. For Oregon alumni, his success validates the program’s reputation for producing NFL‑ready talent. And for the broader NFL community, his ascent is a reminder that gems can be found deep into the seventh round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s touchdown affect the Buccaneers’ receiving options?
The score injected confidence into a receiving group missing its two main studs. Johnson now commands more targets, giving coach Todd Bowles a viable third option alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin when they return.
What was the humorous story Johnson told after the game?
He joked that the “hurdle‑and‑slide” he used on the play was the same move he practices to get the trash‑can lid off at home, a quip that lightened the mood and showed his down‑to‑earth personality.
Will Johnson’s performance change the draft outlook for late‑round receivers?
His breakout underscores that value can be found beyond the early rounds. Scouts may give more weight to production in power‑conference programs like Oregon, especially when players display versatility and poise under pressure.
How is Oregon planning to replace Johnson’s production?
Freshman Dakorien Moore has been thrust into a larger role. With 335 yards and two touchdowns so far, he offers a glimpse of the speed and route‑running ability the Ducks hope will keep the offense humming.
What do experts think about Johnson’s long‑term prospects?
Analysts like former receiver Sterling Shepard believe Johnson has the tools to become a consistent starter. If he continues to improve his route precision and adds strength at the line of scrimmage, a five‑year, $30 million contract could be realistic.
