Tez Johnson took the sports world by storm last college football season when fans found out he was the adoptive brother to Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
Originally high school teammates at Pinson Valley high school, Johnson was taken in by the Nix family in 2017, when he was 15 years old.
Just like his brother Bo, Johnson ended his college career at Oregon after transferring from Troy. Johnson set the Oregon single season record for receptions in 2023 with 86.
His 1,182 receiving yards that year were third-most in Oregon single-season history, and 10 receiving touchdowns tied for fourth.
Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) tries to break a tackle by Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley (6) during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)AP
Now preparing for the NFL, Johnson is leaning on his brother who was in his same position just one year ago.
“He told me to just be myself,” Johnson said. “Staying true to who I am and showing them, I belong.”
Former Auburn quarterback who is currently head football coach at Central-Phenix City High School, Patrick Nix, coached Pinson Valley while his two sons played.
Pinson Valley won the class 6A state championship Johnson’s junior season and made it to the semifinals his senior year. The amount talent on those rosters shaped Johnson to the player he is today.
“I played with a lot of guys that were really good on that team. “[Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry] was probably one of the toughest matchups I ever played against,” Johnson said. “It was times in practice my dad [Patrick Nix] had to separate us because we were getting too physical with each other.”
“Kool-Aid will tell you that we used to have some good battles at Pinson Valley,” Johnson added. “He still calls me today. I played with some guys that were really talented and have a shot at the NFL. Looking forward to competing with them at the next level.”
Reminiscing on the trials and tribulations he faced as a child; Johnson is motivated by his journey with the guidance of the Nix family behind him.
Prior to coming to Indianapolis, Johnson shared the final piece of advice Patrick Nix gave him before showcasing his talents to scouts this weekend.
“Know that you belong. Nobody here is better than you,” Johnson said.
Johnson confirmed to the media that one of his formal team interviews this week was with the Broncos. So, a family reunion in the ‘Mile High’ city can possibly be in the works for the Alabama natives.
Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at JHumphreyIII@al.com.
