Tez Johnson

Tez Johnson's Biography

Keyonteze Johnson, born May 18, 2002, is a renowned American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oregon Ducks. Before joining the Ducks, Johnson showcased his remarkable skills at Troy as a part of the Troy Trojans. This biography details Johnson’s journey, marking his path from a challenging childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, to the heights of college football fame.

The early years of Keyonteze Johnson were fraught with difficulty. Johnson was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but the tragedy of losing his father to suicide as an infant marked his early life. He spent his childhood in government-subsidized housing in Pinson, Alabama. However, a significant turning point in his life came at age 15 when he was adopted by the family of future quarterback Bo Nix. Bo’s father, Pat Nix, served as Johnson’s high school football coach, setting the stage for a unique bond both on and off the field.

As a part of the football team at Pinson Valley High School, Johnson’s natural talent began to emerge. His alliance with Nix proved fruitful as they led their team to victory in the class 6A state championship. Johnson’s outstanding performance during this time did not go unnoticed. He was a three-year starter at the school and secured a first-team all-state selection in his junior year. During this year, his remarkable statistics included a whopping 106 receptions for 1,457 yards and 10 touchdowns. This included one unbeatable performance where he made 17 catches, accumulated 247 yards, and scored three touchdowns all in a single game. This extraordinary game was the eighth-most catches in a game in state history.

In his senior year, Johnson only continued to shine. With 62 passes accounting for 1,140 yards and 12 scores, he earned himself an invitation to the prestigious Alabama–Mississippi All-Star Game. Recognizing his talent, ESPN ranked him a three-star recruit and placed him as the 39th best player in the state. With several colleges potentially on the horizon, Johnson decided to commit to the Troy Trojans for the next stage of his football journey.

Johnson entered Troy in 2020 and as a true freshman made an instant impact by playing 11 games in which he totaled 18 receptions for 211 yards. The ensuing year saw Johnson stepping up his game further. He became the team’s leading receiver in 2021 with 67 catches for 735 yards and four touchdowns. This performance led to him being named the third-team All-Sun Belt Conference. His stats for the following year remained impressive, resulting in him being named as an honorable mention in the all-conference selection. However, after the 2022 season, Johnson sought new opportunities and entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Ultimately, Johnson chose to transfer to the Oregon Ducks where he was reunited with his adoptive brother, Bo Nix. His exceptional skill as a receiver was reflected in him becoming Oregon’s second-leading receiver, surpassed only by Troy Franklin. He remained instrumental in helping the Ducks reach the 2023 Pac-12 Conference title game. Johnson’s story serves as a testament to his determination, resilience, and sheer talent that permeates every aspect of his football career.