Did The Bucs Deny Tez Johnson Tom Brady’s Number?
July 1st, 2025
“Tez, you’re diabolical.”
Joe has no problem listening to a fashion podcast if Bucs intrigue can be found.
So that’s why Joe caught rookie returner/receiver Tez Johnson on a recent Mizzen+Main show featuring his brothers, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and Jacksonville State safety Caleb Nix.
The subject of uniform numbers arose and Johnson made it clear that the worst possible number for him to wear would be “anything in the 80s.”
The Bucs handed him No. 83.
Johnson, who weighed just 154 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, noted that wide numbers are rough on him because of his size. A bad number, he said, “it kills the confidence.”
Joe assumes Johnson wanted a single-digit Bucs jersey or something between 10 and 19 after he was drafted in the seventh round. However, per Joe’s team of 13 1/2/ interns at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters, all those Bucs numbers already were assigned except for No. 12.
That’s the jersey number worn by Tom Brady, who was gifted “12” by Chris Godwin when Brady arrived in 2020.
Did Johnson ask for No. 12? It sure smells like he did and was denied.
The potential good news, if Johnson makes the roster, is that a Bucs player with a number between 0 and 19 is likely to be cut before opening day. CFL punting star Jake Julien, who wears No. 16, is a safe bet.
July 1st, 2025 at 2:40 pm
Give 12 back to Godwin and then Tez can have 14. 😜
July 1st, 2025 at 2:47 pm
If the Bucs refused him number 12, it presumably could mean that number maybe intended for TB’s ring of Honor.
July 1st, 2025 at 2:47 pm
Interesting numerology along with no one being assigned number 12 yet. Can’t wait to see how this plays out.
Rayjay1122 – Good idea. It’s not a retired number, so it can easily be done.
July 1st, 2025 at 3:05 pm
Godwin is on record saying he doesn’t want to swap numbers again because too many fans would have to buy new jerseys.
July 1st, 2025 at 3:09 pm
Is Tez even going to make the team? Over Palmer? Over Jarrett? Over Johnson?
July 1st, 2025 at 3:46 pm
Yes, Tez is making the team. Have you watched his Oregon highlights yet? The only reason he wasn’t picked before day 3 is his weight. His quickness is ridiculous. And he just makes plays.
July 1st, 2025 at 3:53 pm
Agreed, Tez is definitely making the team.
July 1st, 2025 at 3:55 pm
He’s the smallest of the bunch but he also has the most gaudy rec numbers playing for a powerhouse Pac12 (RIP)/ Big 10 team thats always in the playoffs. I don’t know if any of the other back up receivers can say they were as productive for a team that played a lot of high ranked teams pretty much on TV every Saturday. The Ducks were ranked third in the AP poll at the end of last season and 6th the season before that. Johnson only played two seasons for them but they only lost three games combined in those seasons. He had over 2000 yards and 20 TDS combined those two seasons. He won’t be scared of the spotlight, for sure. Can he take an NFL hit is the real issue? I still would rather take a chance on him with the depth we have then one of the other guys who didn’t shine when we needed them those games that Mike and Chris were out. Shepherd had some nice catches but he also had some awful penalties. I prefer to give a guy like Tez a shot.
If he excels with the punt returns, he has a chance for sure.
July 1st, 2025 at 4:54 pm
I think the top 5 on the team are evans godwin egbuka macmillan and tez. Eg, Mac and tez are the future imo. Hope my glasses aren’t too rosy.
July 1st, 2025 at 6:10 pm
Thriving within Oregons’ system is one thing, but I’m not holding my breath on Tez. Pretty sure Licht & Bowles saw something in him to make him their selection, but honestly who is he going to beat out for a spot? That’s more of my thinking.
Evans, Godwin, JMac, & Egbuka are locks. Which leaves about 8 WRs vying for 1 or 2 spots in the same room. Not saying he won’t have a career, but he needs an off-season and the best BBQ in Florida to get his weight up. Walk around with a jar of peanut butter or something, something.
July 1st, 2025 at 8:04 pm
Tez probably has an edge over all the other 5th receiver candidates based on his college production and his quicks. None of the other guys are established NFL players. Palmer has had moments, but has not really stepped up. Jarrett always gets hurt. Miller is a possession receiver. Who else? Kameron Johnson? I know he was a camp darling last year, so he’s got potential. I don’t see how any one of them has an advantage over Tez.