Adopted Brother Tez Johnson’s Journey from Pinson to the Buccaneers

When Keyonteze "Tez" Johnson, a 23‑year‑old wide receiver, was selected by Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 259th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the story behind his rise had already captured national attention. Born on May 18 2002 in Birmingham, Alabama, Johnson spent his early years in government‑subsidized housing in Pinson, Alabama, a modest community just 15 miles northeast of the city. After his father’s tragic suicide when he was an infant, the boy faced more than his fair share of hardship – until a local coach opened his home and, in effect, his heart.

Early Life and the Nix Adoption

At age fifteen, Johnson walked onto the football field of Pinson Valley High School under the watchful eye of Pat Nix, the school’s head coach. Pat, who also served as a mentor for many youths in the area, invited the teenager to live with his family. “The first memory I have of Tez is… his head was just kind of bouncing around like a little bobble‑head,” Pat recalled in a 2025 interview with the Tampa Bay Times. Pat’s biological son, quarterback Bo Nix, became Johnson’s adopted brother in every sense that mattered.

High School Triumphs

The Nix household turned into a football factory. On the field, Johnson and Bo combined for a class 6A state championship, a feat that still reverberates through Pinson. During his junior year, Tez recorded an eye‑popping 106 receptions for 1,457 yards and ten touchdowns – including a single‑game performance of 17 catches, 247 yards and three scores, ranking eighth all‑time in Alabama for receptions in a game. As a senior, he added 62 grabs for 1,140 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning a spot in the Alabama‑Mississippi All‑Star Game. Those numbers convinced recruiting services that a three‑star, 39th‑ranked prospect in the state was something special.

College Journey and Reunion with Bo

Rather than committing to a Power‑Five program immediately, Johnson chose the Sun Belt’s Troy Trojans in 2020. After two seasons, he entered the NCAA transfer portal following the 2022 campaign and landed at the University of Oregon Ducks. The move reunited him with Bo Nix, who had transferred from Auburn to Oregon in 2020. In a YouTube feature on NFL.com, Johnson said, “What motivates me the most is I say family. And when I say family, it’s biological and adopted.” He later described a game against USC as his favorite memory, recalling the stadium full of cheering relatives – “mom’s mouth open, Sarah literally three feet off the ground jumping.”

Draft Day and Pro Career Beginnings

Johnson’s senior year at Oregon showcased a polished route‑running skill set and reliable hands, enough to catch the eye of NFL scouts. On April 25 2025, the Buccaneers announced they had taken him at No. 259 overall. “Tez brings resilience and a high football IQ,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said at the press conference. The draft pick, while late, underscored how teams value intangible traits – perseverance, loyalty, and a proven chemistry with a quarterback, a factor highlighted by analysts who noted the Nix‑Johnson connection as a potential offensive boost.

The Role of Family in Johnson’s Success

Beyond the statistics, the Nix family’s unwavering support is the narrative thread binding every chapter of Johnson’s life. Pat Nix continued to coach at Pinson Valley while also serving as a father figure, offering housing, mentorship, and a stable environment that allowed the young athlete to focus on football. Bo Nix, now a quarterback for the Denver Broncos, frequently credits his brother for keeping him grounded: “Having Tez near me, whether at Oregon or in the NFL, reminds me why we play – for family.” This bond mirrors other NFL duos, like the Watt brothers, where familial chemistry translates into on‑field synergy.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tez?

With a rookie contract in hand, Johnson will compete for a slot on the Buccaneers’ wide‑receiver depth chart. Early reports from Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator Todd Bowles suggest that Tez will be utilized on third‑down situations, capitalizing on his reliable catch rate. Off the field, the Nix family plans to continue their advocacy for at‑risk youth in Jefferson County, hoping Johnson’s story will inspire other communities to provide a safety net for children facing adversity.