All Tar Heels

UNC Football: Son of Super Bowl Champ Commits to Tar Heels

Max Johnson is set to be a UNC football signal caller next season.

Matt Giles

UNC football commit Max Johnson (Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports)
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Max Johnson is the son of Brad Johnson, a former Florida State quarterback and Super Bowl XXXVII champ with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 22-year-old southpaw has thrown for 5,853 yards, 47 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions between his two seasons apiece at LSU and Texas A&M. And he's now a UNC football pledge.

On Tuesday, two days after he announced his entry into the transfer portal, predictions began popping up for Max Johnson to land in Chapel Hill. Then, on Wednesday afternoon, the 6-foot-6, 230-pound former three-star recruit out of Georgia announced his commitment to play for the Tar Heels.

Johnson revealed the news via the following post on social media:

Following an early season-ending injury to Conner Weigman, Johnson became the Aggies' starter under center for eight games this year, amassing 1,452 yards and nine touchdowns through the air. But he hasn't played since early November due to a rib injury he suffered in a road loss to Ole Miss.

Considering the Tar Heels are expected to lose potential top overall pick Drake Maye to the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson should have an opportunity to compete for the starting job. He's a graduate transfer; so, despite having already switched schools once, he'll be eligible next season.

Furthermore, due to the NCAA not counting the COVID-impacted 2020 season against anyone's eligibility, Johnson has the option of playing two years for the Tar Heels.

Brad Johnson attended high school in Black Mountain, N.C., so Max Johnson has some ties to the state.

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Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC football news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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