Patrick Nix, father of NFL quarterback Bo Nix, found himself overwhelmed with emotion during a heartfelt segment on ESPN’s College GameDay, as he shared the inspiring journey of Tez Johnson, a rising NFL draft prospect and Bo’s "adopted" brother. This touching narrative highlights the deep bond formed between the two young athletes, who became inseparable during their high school and college years.
Tez Johnson’s story began in a challenging environment. The 22-year-old wide receiver faced adversity from a young age, having lost his father to suicide when he was just an infant. His home life was troubled, prompting his mother to make the difficult decision to send him to stay with the Nix family. What was initially intended as a temporary arrangement quickly evolved into a six-year stay, with Johnson becoming an integral part of the Nix family despite never being legally adopted.
From Friends to Family
The bond between Johnson and Bo Nix was forged back in 2017 at Pinson Valley High School in Alabama. At just 15 years old, Johnson met Nix, and their friendship blossomed. "It wasn’t necessarily the plan for me to stay," Johnson recalled in the emotional segment. "I walked in and I didn’t want to leave." This sentiment encapsulates the warmth and acceptance he felt from the Nix family during a tumultuous time in his life.
Patrick Nix, who coached both young men in high school, couldn’t hold back his tears as he reflected on Johnson’s journey. "They took me in from all the stuff that was happening with my bio family, and it was something they wanted to do," Johnson added, expressing gratitude for the Nix family’s support.
The Journey to College Football
After high school, Johnson and Nix initially went their separate ways. Johnson spent two years at Troy University, while Nix took his talents to Auburn. However, their paths would cross again when Johnson decided to transfer to the University of Oregon in 2022 to reunite with Nix. "We needed some receivers because some guys had graduated, some guys had transferred," Nix explained. "And I was like, ‘I know a guy.’ He got that opportunity, and it was a dream come true.”
Their reunion not only solidified their friendship but also allowed them to support each other on the field. Nix, now with the Denver Broncos, and Johnson, who continued to shine at Oregon, showcased their talents together, culminating in a memorable college football season. Unfortunately, their journey came to an end when Oregon was defeated in the Rose Bowl quarterfinals by Ohio State.
A Family of Support
Despite the challenges he faced, Johnson has maintained a close relationship with his biological mother, Shamika Posey. He ensured she was able to watch him play in significant games, including the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. "I’ve got two moms. I have a stepdad and a dad, so I have two dads. And I have seven siblings," Johnson shared, emphasizing the importance of family in his life. "My mom is so grateful because she knew if this didn’t happen, who knows where I’d be?"
This sentiment resonates deeply, as it highlights the power of community and support in shaping lives. Johnson’s story is not just about football; it’s about resilience, love, and the bonds that transcend bloodlines.
Coaching and Mentorship
The emotional segment concluded with Patrick Nix reflecting on the incredible journey that Johnson has undertaken. "It’s remarkable how that can all work out," said Dan Lanning, Oregon’s head coach. "I know nobody can really script it, but it feels like it’s a Hollywood script." This statement encapsulates the extraordinary nature of Johnson’s life, a story that many would find hard to believe if it were not true.
As the NFL draft approaches, Johnson’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the impact of a supportive family. The bond between Bo Nix and Tez Johnson is a testament to the idea that family is not just defined by blood, but by love and shared experiences.
Upcoming College Football Playoff Schedule
As we look ahead to the exciting college football playoff schedule, fans are eager to see how the next chapter unfolds for teams and players alike. Here’s a quick glance at the upcoming games:
First-round games:
- No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame – Friday, Dec. 20, 8 pm ET, ABC/ESPN
- No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State – Saturday, Dec. 21, 12 pm ET, TNT/Max
- No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas – Saturday, Dec. 21, 4 pm ET, TNT/Max
- No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State – Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 pm ET, ABC/ESPN
Second-round games:
- No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State/SMU – Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN
- No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1 pm ET, ESPN
- No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State/Tennessee – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5 pm ET, ESPN
- No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame/Indiana – *POSTPONED* Thursday, Jan. 2, 4 pm ET, ESPN
Semifinals:
- No. 6 Penn State vs. Georgia/Notre Dame – Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN
- No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State – Friday, Jan. 10, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN
National Championship Game:
- TBD vs. TBD, Monday, Jan. 20, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN
As the excitement builds for the NFL and college football playoffs, stories like that of Tez Johnson remind us of the heart and soul behind the game. Whether on the field or off, the bonds formed through sports can last a lifetime, shaping not just athletes, but also the communities around them.
