Rookie Tez Johnson Excited to Team Up with Baker Mayfield for the Buccaneers
Rookie Receiver Tez Johnson Thrilled to Team Up with Baker Mayfield
Tampa Bay, FL — Rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson is buzzing with excitement as he embarks on his NFL journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, particularly about the opportunity to play alongside quarterback Baker Mayfield. Drafted in the seventh round out of Oregon, Johnson is not only eager to prove himself but also to reunite with former college teammate Bucky Irving.
At the recent NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, Johnson donned a Buccaneers uniform for the first time and shared his thoughts on Mayfield during an interview with NFL broadcaster Kay Adams. His admiration for the veteran quarterback was palpable.
“Look what he did — he had [Nick] Bosa on one arm, just to throw the ball,” Johnson exclaimed. “Baker doesn’t care about who you are; he’s going to go head-to-head with you every single day.”
Making Waves at Minicamp
Johnson has quickly made a name for himself at Buccaneers minicamp, impressing coaches and teammates alike with his skills. Head coach Todd Bowles noted that Johnson’s performance could earn him a significant role in the offense, despite the competitive landscape of the wide receiver room, which includes established stars like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
“Tez is making plays,” Bowles stated. “He’s carving out a niche for himself.”
If Johnson secures a spot in the regular season lineup, he’ll be catching passes from Mayfield, who has also expressed confidence in the rookie’s abilities. “He’s a little guy but really explosive,” Mayfield said. “He understands how to win on leverage. It’s fun to watch him release off press coverage.”
A Team Player
Johnson’s respect for Mayfield extends beyond his on-field talent. He highlighted Mayfield’s commitment to the team, recalling a moment when Mayfield chased down a teammate to throw a block during a big play. “That shows what type of guy he is,” Johnson noted.
As the Buccaneers prepare for training camp later this summer, both Johnson and Mayfield are looking forward to building their chemistry on the field. With mandatory minicamp now behind them, the duo is set to return to practice at the end of July, ready to make their mark in the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting 2025 season.