Introduction
Tez Johnson has emerged as one of the more compelling young wide receivers in college and now stepping into the NFL. His journey is not just defined by on-field success, but by the extraordinary personal story of resilience, adoption, and family bonds. In this in-depth profile, we trace his early life, the pivotal adoption by the Nix family, his relationship with brother Bo Nix, his playing number(s), contract status, parental background, and more.
Early Life & Background
Birth and Early Hardships
Keyonteze “Tez” Johnson was born on May 18, 2002, in Birmingham, Alabama. His life began under difficult circumstances: his father died by suicide when Tez was still an infant, leaving his mother, Shamika Posey, raising him under tough conditions.
He spent much of his youth in subsidized housing in Pinson, Alabama. He also had a strained relationship with his mother at times, leading to emotional and stability challenges.
Turning Point – Entering the Nix Household
When Tez was around 15 years old, a dramatic turning point came. After a conflict between him and his mother, the Nix family (father Patrick Nix, mother Krista Nix, and their children including Bo) intervened.
Patrick Nix, who coached at Pinson Valley High School, suggested Tez stay with their family temporarily until things settled. But that temporary arrangement blossomed into something much more permanent.
In interviews, Tez recounts walking into the Nix home one evening and feeling immediately at ease — he didn’t want to leave. Over time, he became integrated into the family. Though not always formally “legally adopted,” he came to regard the Nixes as his true family in every sense.
Bo Nix has spoken warmly about the bond:
“He started living with us … he became a brother and then soon after that he’s just like family.”
Thus began a powerful, transformational relationship that has shaped both their lives and football careers.
High School & Football Beginnings
Tez attended Pinson Valley High School in Alabama, where Patrick Nix was coaching. He was a three-year starter.
In his junior year, he caught 106 passes for 1,457 yards and 10 touchdowns, including a single game of 17 catches for 247 yards and 3 touchdowns — one of the highest single-game reception totals in state high school history. As a senior, he had 62 catches for 1,140 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He also played alongside Bo Nix, and the two contributed to Pinson Valley’s Class 6A state championship.
Recruited as a three-star prospect and ranked by ESPN as the 39th-best player in Alabama, Tez committed to Troy University to begin his college career. Tez Johnson story.
College Career: Troy to Oregon
Troy University (2020–2022)
Tez enrolled at Troy in 2020. As a true freshman, he played in 11 games and recorded 18 receptions for 211 yards.
In 2021, he emerged as Troy’s leading receiver: 67 catches, 735 yards, and 4 touchdowns, earning third-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors.
In 2022, he repeated as top receiver with 56 catches, 863 yards, and 4 touchdowns. He earned honorable mention all-conference status.
After the 2022 season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal, hinting at ambition to play on a bigger stage.
Transfer & Oregon (2023–2024)
Tez chose to transfer to Oregon, reuniting with Bo Nix, now Oregon’s quarterback.
In 2023, he quickly made an impact and set the Oregon single-season receptions record (86).
In 2024, he recorded 83 receptions, 898 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns across 12 games.
His best performance came during the Big Ten Championship Game, where he posted 11 catches for 181 yards and a touchdown. His performance earned him Game MVP honors.
Thus, over his Oregon tenure, he became a primary target and proved his talent at a high level.
Jersey Number(s) & On-Field Identity
At Oregon, Tez Johnson wears number 15 as his uniform number.
That number also carries symbolic weight, representing his identity on the field, and fans and commentators often highlight “#15 Tez Johnson” in game reports.
NFL Draft & Contract
In 2025, Tez Johnson entered the NFL Draft. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 7th round, pick 235 overall.
Details on his rookie contract (salary, guaranteed money) are not widely published as of yet. As a 7th-round pick, his contract likely aligns with standard NFL rookie slotting for late-round selections.
At his draft party, Bo Nix celebrated with him, highlighting the close bond between the two brothers.
Even during pre-draft conversations, Tez mentioned his goals: he hoped to contribute not just as a receiver but also as a punt returner, to become more versatile (a “Swiss Army knife” player).
He also spoke of wanting a chance to reunite with Bo in the NFL, imagining a future where they play together.
So far, his status is active on the Buccaneers roster.
Relationship with Bo Nix & “Brotherhood” Story
One of the most compelling parts of Tez Johnson’s story is his bond with Bo Nix.
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Bo Nix, born February 25, 2000, is an NFL quarterback currently with the Denver Broncos.
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Bo played college football at Auburn and then Oregon, where he and Tez became teammates.
Though they did not grow up biologically together, the relationship they built is often described as one of brotherhood rather than formal adoption.
The narrative captures hearts: Bo calling Tez his brother, and Tez noting how the Nix family saved him and provided structure when he lacked it.
In public moments, Bo and Tez have emphasized loyalty, shared goals, and mutual support — both on and off the football field. Tez Johnson story.
Parents & Family
Biological Mother
Tez’s biological mother is Shamika Posey. He has maintained a relationship with her even after moving into the Nix household.
In interviews, Tez refers to having “two moms” — his biological mother and the Nix mother (Krista) — and two fathers: his biological (absent) and his adoptive father (Patrick Nix).
Nix Family (Adoptive / Chosen Family)
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Patrick Nix: Former quarterback, coach, and head coach in high school and college levels. He was coaching Pinson Valley when he first met Tez.
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Krista (Krista Chapman Nix): Patrick’s wife and mother of Bo & Caleb, and the nurturing figure who bonded with Tez.
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Bo Nix: Biological son of Patrick and Krista; adopted brother/close brother-figure to Tez.
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Caleb Nix: Another biological child of Patrick and Krista. He has pursued his own football path (plays safety).
The Nix family played a pivotal role in giving Tez stability, guidance, and a second chance, both personally and athletically.
Age & Personal Traits
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As of 2025, Tez Johnson is 23 years old, having been born on May 18, 2002.
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He stands around 5 ft 10 in and weighs approximately 165 lb.
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He is a practicing Christian, in keeping with the values often spoken of in interviews.
Off the field, Tez is known for his positivity, resilience, and gratitude for the opportunities that followed his adoption into a supportive family structure. Tez Johnson story.
Challenges & Triumphs
Tez’s journey has not been smooth. He’s faced:
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The trauma of a father’s suicide in infancy
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Emotional tensions in his early home life
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The uncertainty of being a transfer athlete and adjusting to a new system at Oregon
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The pressure of fulfilling expectations as a “story” athlete, in light of his brother Bo’s success
Yet, he has also experienced major successes:
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Becoming Troy’s top receiver multiple years
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Setting Oregon’s single-season receptions record
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Earning Big Ten Championship Game MVP honors
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Being drafted into the NFL
These triumphs underscore not just athletic talent but mental toughness, perseverance, and the power of supportive relationships. Tez Johnson story.
What’s Next for Tez Johnson?
Now under contract (or in the process of signing a contract) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tez faces the transition from college to the professional ranks. While the exact contract terms aren’t publicly detailed yet, his 7th-round draft status suggests a standard rookie slot deal.
In the NFL, Tez has expressed ambition to be more than just a receiver — he aspires to contribute as a punt returner, and potentially reunite with Bo Nix someday in the league.
How he adapts to the speed, competition, and demands of the professional level will be key. But he enters with a strong foundation — a story marked by adversity overcome, a deep support network, and proven performance at the college level. Tez Johnson story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Tez Johnson’s full name and age?
A: His full name is Keyonteze “Tez” Johnson, born May 18, 2002, making him 23 years old as of 2025.
Q2: What number does Tez Johnson wear?
A: At Oregon (college), he wore number 15.
Q3: What is Tez Johnson’s connection to Bo Nix?
A: Though not biological brothers, Tez was taken in by the Nix family at age 15, lived with them, and considers Bo his brother. They later became teammates at Oregon.
Q4: Did the Nix family legally adopt Tez Johnson?
A: In public reports, the relationship is often described as “adopted,” though it’s unclear whether the adoption was strictly legal. Regardless, Tez considers the Nixes his family.
Q5: Which NFL team drafted Tez Johnson and what is his contract?
A: He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 7th round (235th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft. His specific contract terms haven’t been publicly disclosed yet.
Q6: Who are Tez Johnson’s parents?
A: His biological mother is Shamika Posey. His adoptive/raised family includes Patrick Nix and Krista Nix, who accepted him into their home and family.
Q7: What were Tez Johnson’s college career highlights?
A: Some highlights include leading Troy in receiving, transferring to Oregon, setting Oregon’s single-season reception record, and being named MVP of the Big Ten Championship Game.
Q8: Does Tez Johnson still have a relationship with his biological mother?
A: Yes, he has maintained a relationship with his biological mother and publicly speaks of having multiple maternal figures in his life.
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