Ducks Digest

Tez Johnson Issues Warning Before 40-Yard Dash, NFL Combine Workout

Former Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson is slated to workout at the NFL Combine on Saturday, and he spoke with reporters on Friday about criticisms surrounding his size, a possible reunion with Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. He also praised current Dallas Cowboys wide receivers coach Junior Adams while at the podium.

Charlie Viehl

Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) makes a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium.
Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) makes a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium. / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
In this story:

Before working out at the NFL Combine on Saturday, former Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson spoke to the media and displayed his confidence when addressing concerns about his size. He also spoke about his upcoming 40-yard dash, and issued a warning to those planning to watch.

"If you blink, you might miss me," said Johnson.

The first question that Johnson received when he stepped up to the podium was about his weight and how he can contribute over the course of an 18-week NFL season. The former Oregon receiver took it in stride.

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) makes a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against Ohio State
Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) makes a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium. / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

"You're gonna win a Super Bowl with me, 100 percent," replied Johnson.

Listed at 5-10, 165 pounds on Oregon's roster, one of the biggest concerns surrounding Johnson is his size. His official combine measurements have Johnson at 5-9, 156 pounds, according to NFL.com.

Johnson received some praise from Penn State safety Jaylen Reed when he spoke to the media at the combine. Reed was asked who the toughest guy he faced was all season, and his answer was Johnson.

"Tez Johnson. A lot of people focus on the weight stuff but he's like that for real. . . all my respect to him 'cause he's a dog," Reed said according to The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler.

MORE: Why Terrance Ferguson Is Perfect Fit For Denver Broncos: NFL Scouting Combine Live Updates

MORE: Oregon Ducks 5-Star Commit Kendre Harrison Insane Highlights In Playoffs, 55-Game Win Streak

MORE: Alabama Upset Causes Shakeup In Top-25 College Basketball Rankings

The former Ducks receiver was also asked about his adopted brother and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. The two played together for one season at Oregon before Nix was drafted by the Denver Broncos and coach Sean Payton with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

"Like we always said in our family, haters gonna hate. I mean, Bo does what he does," said Johnson. "A lot of people think in the beginning, 'Oh wow, this kid is not as great as everybody thinks he is.' He's the best quarterback in the draft, that's why you pick him in the first round, and I'm glad that Sean Payton got him because he's the first one that took a chance on him."

"He's literally the best quarterback in the draft, I don't know what else to say about him. He's one of those guys that's gonna win. He knows what he wants," Johnson continued.

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Bo Nix (10)
Nov 4, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Bo Nix (10) during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Autzen Stadium. / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Johnson revealed that he has had a formal meeting with the Broncos. Will he be reunited with Nix in Denver?

While at the podium, Johnson was also asked about his time at Oregon. Playing alongside talented receivers like Evan Stewart, Traeshon Holden, and Troy Franklin in his two seasons with the Ducks. Both Franklin and Johnson passed the 1000-yard receiving mark in 2023 with Nix at quarterback, and Johnson led the Ducks with 898 receiving yards in 2024 alongside quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Johnson spoke about the connection among his fellow wide receivers at Oregon and gave credit to former Ducks wide receivers coach Junior Adams for creating such a positive culture.

"Credit to coach Junior Adams. He's big on building rooms, and the the guys that's in that room are always willing to help another guy out. When I got there, Troy (Franklin) took me under his wing, and when he left, I kind of took Evan Stewart under my wing. And now, I know Evan Stewart and Justius Lowe, Evan's taking him under his wing. So everybody wants somebody to eat, no matter what," said Johnson.

Oregon co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Junior Adams leads a drill during practice at the Moshofsky Center
Oregon co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Junior Adams leads a drill during practice at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Adams was recently hired away from Oregon, joining the Dallas Cowboys as the wide receivers coach. Could the Cowboys be interested in drafting Johnson?

Johnson will work out at the NFL Combine on Saturday at 10 a.m. PT alongside fellow Ducks like Holden, quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and running back Jordan James.

Published |Modified
Charlie Viehl
CHARLIE VIEHL

Charlie Viehl is a 23-year old Boston College graduate and is an Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans beat reporter for On SI. A native of Pasadena, California, he covered sports across Los Angeles while at Loyola High School and edited the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program’s magazine at BC. While pursuing a career in sports journalism, he is also a lifelong musician. He is excited to bring his passion for storytelling and sports to fans of college athletics.

Home/Football