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.
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