Tez Johnson Talks Improvement And Speed
August 3rd, 2026
“Hey ‘Tuck,’ you hear that ish Hurst is spreading?”
Maybe the biggest surprise in Bucs training camp has been how big of a step Tez Johnson has made from his rookie season to his second season.
The way he has balled through the first four practices, if the Bucs weren’t so deep at receiver, Tez might be looking at a starting gig.
He’s developed an impressive chemistry with backup quarterback Jake Browning, not that he doesn’t already have one with Baker Mayfield.
Entering camp, “this Joe” Joe thought Tez was a No. 5 receiver with Ted Hurst coming off the bench as the No. 4 receiver. Hurst has been steady, solid and consistent, no question. But Tez has been putting on a show both with the first team and the second team.
As bad as last year was for injuries, the fact Tez got valuable snaps as a rookie certainly boosted his rise.
“I think my confidence is just higher than last year,” Tez said. “Last year, I was just trying to feel it out, and I got kind of thrown in the fire a little earlier than what I expected.
“So, coming back with the confidence and having that playing time from last year, it just gives me that confidence I needed.”
Tez actually had 322 yards and five touchdowns last year. Not bad for a guy who was a seventh-round pick bubble guy who maybe was a No. 5 receiver to start the season.
But yesterday wasn’t all smiles for Tez. He was tipped off that Hurst said he is the fastest receiver on the Bucs.
“Oh, lawd!” Tez reacted. “The fastest guy? He’s not the fastest guy I’ve ever seen. He’s not the fastest.”
So Tez, who is the fastest receiver on the Bucs?
“I’m gonna give it to myself.”
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:28 am
Please stay healthy kid…
No more backflips needed. I cringe every time I see that stuff.
Remember how Gramatica’s brother went out?
Please Tez – at 165 lbs. you don’t need to take anymore unnecessary risks.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:37 am
Last year Tez played well but appeared too often to run bad routs. Too many times the Bucs had 2 receivers in the same spot and Tez was the common denominator. With last year’s experience and a good off season I hope he improved this issue. Im excited to see what he can bring this season as he is an exciting story and great energy. Also looking to see what he can bring to the punt return game.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:50 am
He better play well in the preseason then. I expect great things next week in NJ from Tez.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:52 am
The Joe’s can’t get into specifics regarding certain plays as per the Bucs media staff. Reading between the lines of the non described plays…Me thinks the Bend-Around has been replaced by the Tez-Manian twist. Love this kid.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:02 am
Great quote,, I’M GOING TO GIVE IT TO MYSELF from Tez. Confidence can lead to greatness.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:03 am
I was checking Tez out closely to see if his build changed in the offseason.
He has put on a bit of weight but more importantly he’s thicker and more solid than last year. He’ll never put on much weight but he can still pack on muscle and that will serve him well.
Very encouraging for a rotational specialist in the passing game.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:12 am
If only they were in the same place at the same time and could… I dunno… have 40 yards marked off somewhere and race. Settle it up with a dinner, or something.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:20 am
@ Marine Buc
Thank you for your service!!
I agree about the flips.. It’s great entertainment, but a lower body injury waiting to happen! We ALL know you can do a flip, Tez. No need to risk it. Unless they’re Playoff Touchdowns!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:41 am
I know a player who did a flip into the end zone for a TD with no one around and it cost him the Heisman. Broke his collar bone and missed like 7 games, Adrian Peterson. Totally unnecessary, OU won by almost 30 points.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:43 am
I’m looking for 10 flips this year from Tez. 10 touchdowns. I don’t see another team with his dangerous set of receivers as the top five on the Buccaneers. For the five could likely start on any other team. The league is underestimating this offense provided it stays relatively healthy.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:44 am
Sad to see Mike go. But he really isn’t going to be missed.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:48 am
He is definitely looking good.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:59 am
Solid competition never hurts in this league!! Get better everyday and who knows what may happen!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 10:26 am
Just please never let him return punts.
I’m 5-10 and 145 pounds. Very fast. And very skinny.
We could lose him if we let him return punts!
Dont ever do it!
August 3rd, 2026 at 10:48 am
My philosophy is to throw it deep early and often. And we have a bunch guys to do that with. I want the DBs worried every single play that the ball is gonna go over their heads. Makes everything else easier. A speedy TE may be all we are missing.
August 3rd, 2026 at 11:00 am
all the receivers are gonna look good against our cornerbacks
how many times i gotta say that.
u act like Sauce Gardner is out there playing corner for us.
August 3rd, 2026 at 11:15 am
All due respect to Tez but Hurst is faster. Tez is quick and plays football fast. Game tape doesn’t lie. But Ted is gonna beat him in a straight line speed race.