TAMPA — Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson has been one of the clear standouts through the first four practices of training camp, routinely making big catches downfield as he builds on a rookie season in which the seventh-round pick posted the most touchdown catches in franchise history among players drafted in the seventh round or later.
“I think my confidence is just higher than last year,” Johnson said. “Last year I was just trying to feel it out. I got kind of thrown into the fire a little earlier than what I expected, so coming back with the confidence and having that playing time from last year, it just gives me that confidence I needed.”
Johnson caught 28 passes for 322 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, producing the second-most receptions and second-most receiving yards in Buccaneers history among players drafted in the seventh round or later. Only Oregon State’s Sammie Stroughter, picked 233rd overall in 2009 compared to 235th for Johnson, posted higher numbers in two of those categories with 31 catches for 334 yards and one score. They are the only two receivers drafted that late in team history to reach 20 catches or 200 yards as rookies.
The Oregon product played 495 snaps as a rookie — more than Mike Evans, Chris Godwin or Jalen McMillan logged — after significant injuries to those veterans thrust him into a larger role than anyone anticipated when the Bucs drafted him behind first-round receiver Emeka Egbuka. Johnson’s five touchdowns trailed only Egbuka’s six on the team. Listed at 5-10 and 165 pounds, Johnson ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, a number Head Coach Todd Bowles joked about, ribbing Johnson about being “120” pounds.
“I think a lot of people are shocked by how fast when I’m playing football, because it may not seem like that from the Combine,” Johnson said. “I definitely use my speed to my advantage, for sure.”
With Evans now in San Francisco, Johnson’s role could expand further as the Buccaneers install new Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson’s offense. Johnson pulled out his signature backflip celebration after catching a deep touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Browning during a two-minute drill last Thursday, drawing a roaring response from the training camp crowd.
“I think it’s kind of just how I’ve been my whole life, the Energizer Bunny,” Johnson said. “I love playing football and the game. I always tell people all the time that if they took all the money away I would still play football. I just love the game.”
The fan energy has fueled his performance, Johnson said. “The Krewe is awesome. I love this place because of the fans and the kids. When you come out here every single day and play the game you love, and then you have the fans that are behind you and cheering your name, that want to see a flip every time I catch a ball, it’s awesome. I don’t take it for granted.”