Bo Nix, Tez Johnson Feel-Good Story Reaches New Heights at NFL Level

Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix and Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Tez Johnson have both made their marks in the NFL, even at an early stage of their respective careers. It’s a truly remarkable story, one that we need in these current times, and it shows what a strong friendship and family presence can do for people.

It all began when Nix and Johnson were teammates at Pinson Valley High School in Alabama. Bo’s father, Patrick Nix, was the head football coach at Pinson Valley HS during this time and knew of the struggles Johnson was facing at home.

So, Nix decided to invite Johnson to stay with them for a few days – and he never left. Johnson recalled seeing the Nix family all sitting together at the dinner table for the first time, and he was instantly moved by that moment.

This would set the tone for one of the coolest stories you’ll ever hear, and it’s getting much more attention now that Nix and Johnson are balling out at the highest level of competition in the NFL.

Bo Nix, Tez Johnson: Success at Pinson Valley High School

Bo and Tez both played on the same team at Pinson Valley HS, along with Bo’s brother, Caleb – as if the story needed any more family ties. In 2018, Pinson Valley won the 6A State Championship in Alabama. Bo would even go on to win the state championship game MVP, Alabama’s Mr. Football, and the Alabama State Gatorade Player of the Year.

Bo Nix, Tez Johnson Go Separate Ways After Pinson Valley HS

When it was time for college, both players would remain in the state of Alabama – Bo would wind up going to Auburn University while Tez went to Troy University.

Nix played three seasons at Auburn before eventually transferring, which we’ll get to in a second. At Auburn, Nix threw 39 touchdowns against 16 interceptions, in what was mostly a run-first offense.

Johnson had a decent amount of success at Troy, amassing 141 catches for 1,809 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Bo Nix, Tez Johnson: Success at Oregon

In a twist of fate, Johnson was actually wearing an Oregon sweatshirt when he came to the Nix’s house for the first time. He once said that he dreamed of playing there, and that dream became a reality when the two reunited as teammates out West.

Nix transferred to Oregon in 2022, but it wasn’t until the following season that Johnson joined him out in Eugene. In the 2022 season, Nix enjoyed a fair amount of success, throwing for 3,593 yards with 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

In the offseason, Oregon had been vocal about needing help at the WR position, and Nix knew just the guy.

In 2023, with the two reunited as teammates, Nix would have his best season at any level of competition, throwing for 3,593 yards, 55 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Nix would also finish third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Johnson would also enjoy the best season of his life, hauling in 86 catches for 1,182 receiving yards at 10 touchdowns. Even with Nix going to the NFL, Johnson would continue his run of success at Oregon, with an 83-catch, 898-yard, 10-TD campaign to close out his collegiate career.

Bo Nix, Tez Johnson: Success in the NFL

Nix was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Under legendary head coach Sean Payton, Nix would lead the Broncos to a playoff appearance in his first season. Nix would go on to throw for 3,775 yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, finishing third (once again) in the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year race.

There was a total of 257 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Johnson was chosen with the 235th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Because of his small stature (5’10”), Johnson slipped all the way to the end of the draft, but he did go to a team that has a strong pedigree for drafting wide receivers. The persistence finally paid off for Johnson, who has six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in the last three games.

Is Tez Johnson the Real MVP?

There was a funny viral moment in the Buccaneers’ 30-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Johnson made an incredible diving catch on a touchdown pass from Bucs QB Baker Mayfield, and the Tampa crowd roared out chants of “M-V-P! M-V-P!”

Tez thought they were chanting “M-V-P!” for him, but sadly, that loving embrace from the Bucs’ fans was for Mayfield. I would not be surprised if Johnson gets a few “M-V-P!” chants after his next catch in front of the Tampa faithful, just to show them he’s part of their family now.

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