When Tez Johnson, wide receiver of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vaulted over a defender and spun through two more for a 22‑yard touchdown on Monday Night Football, the stadium erupted and the play instantly slid into the NFL’s highlight reels.
The highlight happened on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET inside Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. With 7:23 left in the second quarter and the Buccaneers facing a second‑and‑eight, quarterback Baker Mayfield slipped a quick screen to Johnson, setting off the sequence that would become a fan favorite.
Play‑by‑Play of the Highlight
From the snap, center Graham Barton punched a clean block that created a lane for the running back before the ball reached Mayfield. As Mayfield released the pass, wideout Ryan Miller—wearing jersey 81—sealed the edge, forcing the defense inward. Johnson sprinted, hurdled the first defender at the 30‑yard line, then spun low, using his low center of gravity to slip past two more tacklers before diving into the end zone.
The crowd’s roar was palpable; the home‑team announcer could barely keep his voice steady. Replays showed the precision of the blocking scheme, a testament to offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s design, which has leveraged Johnson’s burst speed since his rookie season.
Johnson’s Journey to the NFL
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Tez Anthony Johnson (23) grew up a football‑obsessed kid in Cottonwood, California, where he starred at West Valley High. He earned a scholarship to Troy University, playing 10 games in 2020 and catching 28 passes for 435 yards. After a transfer to the University of Oregon in 2023, he blossomed under head coach Dan Lanning. Partnering with quarterback Bo Nix, Johnson set the school’s single‑season reception record with 86 grabs in 2023.
The following year he logged 83 receptions for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Big Ten Championship Game MVP honors on Dec. 7, 2024. The Buccaneers took a chance on him at the tail end of the 2025 draft, selecting him 235th overall in the seventh round.
Buccaneers’ Receiver Situation and Coaching Insights
Injuries have plagued Tampa Bay’s receiving corps. Starting veteran Chris Godwin missed the first half of the season with a hamstring strain, while longtime captain Mike Evans sat out the week with a foot injury. The depth chart opened for a rookie to step up, and Johnson answered the call.
Wide‑receivers coach Bryan McClendon praised the young man during a pre‑game press conference at the AdventHealth Training Center: “He’s got the mental and physical tools. Once you see the tape you know you have to fight for him.” Head coach Todd Bowles added that the team’s success hinges on “every guy doing his job, especially when the starters go down.”
What the Numbers Say
- Johnson finished the Oct. 21 game with 3 receptions for 41 yards and the 22‑yard TD on 4 targets.
- He also logged a 15‑yard punt return, hinting at a possible expanded role in special teams.
- According to Elias Sports Bureau, the Buccaneers have dropped to 23rd in the league for passing yards per game, underscoring the need for fresh weapons.
- Fantasy analysts at ESPN project Johnson could rise from a fringe waiver to a weekly starter if his role continues to grow.
While his route‑running still draws critique from CBS Sports analysts, his open‑field elusiveness mirrors that of a younger Julio Jones, something the coaching staff hopes to refine.
Future Outlook for Johnson and Tampa Bay
Looking ahead, the Buccaneers face a Week 6 matchup against a division rival that boasts a top‑10 pass defense. If Johnson can replicate his explosive play against a stronger secondary, his stock could skyrocket faster than the team’s win total.
Off the field, Johnson’s humble background and work‑ethic have already won over fans. He frequently visits local Tampa schools, sharing his story of perseverance. As the season unfolds, his ability to stay healthy and adapt will determine whether he becomes a permanent fixture or a flash‑in‑the‑pan highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s touchdown impact the Buccaneers’ receiver depth?
With Chris Godwin and Mike Evans sidelined, Johnson’s play gives head coach Todd Bowles a proven option inside the slot. The touchdown shows he can convert limited snaps into points, which could shift the depth chart and lessen the team's reliance on veteran receivers.
What was the role of the Buccaneers’ offensive line in the TD play?
Center Graham Barton’s initial block opened the lane, while Ryan Miller’s edge seal forced the defense inward. Their coordination allowed Mayfield to deliver the screen cleanly, illustrating Liam Coen’s scheme that hinges on decisive line work.
Is Tez Johnson likely to become a regular punt returner?
The 15‑yard return on Sunday gave coaches a glimpse of his ball‑handling ability. If he continues to show steady decision‑making, Tampa Bay may officially name him the primary returner by mid‑season.
How does Johnson’s college production compare to other recent draft picks?
Johnson left Oregon with 169 receptions for 1,964 yards and 15 touchdowns—numbers that outpace most seventh‑round wideouts from the past five drafts. His production, combined with his explosive athleticism, makes him one of the most promising late‑round finds in recent memory.
What are the next big challenges for the Buccaneers this season?
Beyond staying healthy, Tampa Bay must improve its passing efficiency, currently 23rd in the league, and find a way to protect Baker Mayfield against a surge of pass‑rush attacks. Integrating young talent like Johnson while maintaining veteran leadership will be the balancing act for Todd Bowles.