Kameron Johnson Earned Respect From Todd Bowles, Baker Mayfield
September 9th, 2025
If you thought you that 53-yard Bucs punt return Sunday felt like an AI-driven deep fake, it’s understandable.
That was the longest Tampa Bay punt return since 2015.
Receiver/returner Kameron Johnson delivered it. He’s a guy many thought wouldn’t make the 53-man roster, and he might not have had receiver Jalen McMillan stayed healthy in through preseason. Joe has joked that before Sunday, Johnson seemed good at two things: dropping passes and getting banged up.
Johnson’s return was huge in a tight game, and it was such a refreshing change. The longest Bucs punt return last year was 17 yards.
Baker Mayfield, speaking on the Buccaneers Radio Network yesterday, acknowledged Johnson, who is the pride of the Barton College Bulldogs.
“Anytime you’re a guy that comes from these small schools, that tryout guy almost, like you gotta earn your way. And [Johnson] does it mentally and he works his tail off, too,” Mayfield said. “He’s very much a receiver that attention to detail is going to get him through, knowing what his job is each down. So, to see him get some play time on special teams and truly make a difference in the game was awesome. I thought special teams was a huge factor for us yesterday.”
Kudos to Johnson, and props to Bowles for trusting him. Two punt-return miscues by rookie Tez Johnson in preseason must have scared the hell out of Bowles.
Special teams was huge Sunday. Mayfield is right. Some of that was good Johnson and the Falcons bumbling kicker, and some of that was bad, Bucs kicker Chase McLaughlin.
September 9th, 2025 at 9:53 am
It was great to see all the offense, defense, and special teams make big plays that helped win the game. Sure they all could have done more. Hopefully that happens in Houston.
September 9th, 2025 at 10:01 am
Treat the RB’s as a rotation.
We need Bucky healthy at the end of the year
Let the RB room EAT!!!
September 9th, 2025 at 10:11 am
When coach said he was excited about special teams I kind of chuckled.
Welp! Maybe he knew somethin
September 9th, 2025 at 10:12 am
Kameron can catch a kickoff return but can’t catch a pass. It is so weird. But man is he fast. I would love to see him on a checkdown LOL
September 9th, 2025 at 10:15 am
Thought Kam’s fate was sealed when he dropped a few easy passes in the pre-season finale. Glad to see JL & the Bucs trust their gut. His athleticism oozes, if he can stay healthy and put on some more pro weight, there’s a lot of room for growth. Same can be said for Tez. Johnson & Johnson is just what the doctor ordered for depth.
September 9th, 2025 at 10:15 am
chase has to tighten up…
kam has been a pleasant surprise…keep it up
GO BUCS!!!
September 9th, 2025 at 10:58 am
Meanwhile The Dwarf dropped his pass. When JMac is back, it’s the dwarf who will be on the Apple cart out of town, while Kam returns punts.
September 9th, 2025 at 10:59 am
SPECIAL REQUEST JOE: ASK ABOUT THE 2X TIMEOUTS
1. BOTCHED TIMEOUT. The Bucs had it right. It was a marginal catch. They ran to the line to snap a play. Rah didn’t have time to throw the flag. Instead, they called timeout and giftwrapped it for him. It was Bowles’ 2nd worst timeout ever.
2. FREEZE THE KICKER. Bowles doesn’t do this. It’s driven us nuts for years. He finally did and IT WORKED! How does he feel about it?
September 9th, 2025 at 11:13 am
Watch, the Bucs will be giving him the ball on sweeps. Keep an eye on him when he comes in the game. They’ve been sending him in motion. That’s turning into a handoff real soon. See if they can get him the ball on quick screens too.
September 9th, 2025 at 11:29 am
Put some respect on Kam Johnson’s name, dude was the shot in the arm we needed on Sunday in the 3rd quarter. Johnson & Tucker both had returns that put our offense in awesome field position.
September 9th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
The Bucs will have trouble this season if McLaughlin has a bad year. Hoping that Sunday was an aberration.
September 9th, 2025 at 12:22 pm
I knew Special Teams would be a positive factor, even with Chase having a very rare off day. Wasn’t he dealing with a new place holder? Plus, Kameron and Tez Johnson and our new punter being in the mix sure helps. Punt returner has got to be the most dangerous position in pro football. With the refs, it’s a miracle more players don’t get killed. Be ready for anything, Bucs. It’s MNF and you’ll be in TX.
September 9th, 2025 at 1:47 pm
Agreed, Warren
September 9th, 2025 at 1:53 pm
The botched timeout was on not having the offense ready to run a play, that was on Grizz or a player not Bowles
September 9th, 2025 at 3:24 pm
longest since 2015? well done by kam johnson kept working to get his shot and is making the most of it.
September 9th, 2025 at 4:05 pm
Good for Kam 👍🏼.
Tez will be fine too 😎
September 9th, 2025 at 8:20 pm
I went crazy after that return!
I laughed so hard and I said to myself.
“Man I haven’t seen a good punt return in 10 years!”
And thanks to this article.
Now I know it’s true!
Any other diehard Bucs fans remember that we were the last NFL to ever return a kickoff for a TD? Hahah
It’s a Bucs life.
We’ve come a long way fellas.
We are building a dynasty.
September 9th, 2025 at 8:58 pm
Michael Spurlock is a Bucs folk hero, and even that was 18 frickin years ago.
I like Johnson returning, but I think as long as he’s healthy Sean Tucker can return a kickoff for a TD. It’s just a matter of time.
September 9th, 2025 at 9:02 pm
Kudos to Riley Dixon as well. Maybe the numbers weren’t great but sure seemed like he booted a couple good punts.
September 9th, 2025 at 9:39 pm
That was an amazing punt return for sure ! Hopefully, KJ will take one or two to the house this year !!
Heck even Tucker got fired up and had a decent kickoff return!!
Go Bucs !! Beat the Texans !!