New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson was spotted enjoying a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden despite being ruled out of Sunday's NFL season finale with an illness
23:40 ET, 02 Jan 2026Updated 23:40 ET, 02 Jan 2026
Theo Johnson stands on the sideline
View 2 Images
Theo Johnson has been ruled out of the Giants' season finale with an illness(Image: Getty Images)
Theo Johnson will not suit up for the New York Giants’ final contest of the season while battling an undisclosed “illness” — but that star tight end still appeared healthy enough to catch a recent Knicks game.
On Friday, Theo Johnson was spotted sitting in the stands at Madison Square Garden — which notably does not feature an NBA Cup banner — during the Knicks’ 111-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The 24-year-old was even shown on the jumbotron during the second quarter, with his appearance drawing a round of applause.
Article continues below
Johnson’s presence in the crowd came as quite a shock to New York faithful, given the fact that he’s been officially ruled out for the Giants’ NFC East clash against the Dallas Cowboys with an illness that also sidelined him in Week 17.
Article continues below
READ MORE: Julian Sayin shows true colors after cruel end to Ohio State's CFP bidREAD MORE: 'Dirty' tackle brings Cotton Bowl to a halt as ESPN forced to go to ads despite no flag
Taking to social media, droves of Giants fans couldn’t help but poke fun at Johnson. “That's an interesting way to treat an ‘illness,’” one X user wrote, with another adding: “What? Can’t play on Sunday cause you’re sick but well enough to go to a sporting event???”
A third quipped: “He’s sick of losing.”
Johnson’s absence from the gridiron is all the more peculiar considering that he previously voiced his desire to play the entire 2025 campaign. During his rookie season last year, the Penn State product was limited to just 12 games after suffering a broken fifth metatarsal (Jones fracture) in his foot that required surgery.
Speaking to reporters back in July, Johnson said: “The big thing for me this year is I want to play 17 games. That’s the No. 1 priority. I’ve been taking my recovery and my health, what I’m putting in my body and everything, more serious than I ever have.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“I think that’s the biggest goal for me is prioritizing my health and wellness and making sure that I’m available and consistent throughout 17 games.”
Others suggested that the Giants were clearly trying to tank if Johnson was able to attend the Knicks game but not play. “He understands the assignment,” someone said. “Committed to the tank!”
A fifth chimed in, “The Giants should be forced a win on Sunday due to manipulating the injury report for tanking purposes!”
If the Giants lose to the Cowboys and the Raiders defeat the Chiefs, New York would leapfrog Las Vegas and secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Theo Johnson looks on during the national anthem
View 2 Images
Theo Johnson previously expressed a desire to play in all 17 games this season(Image: Getty Images)
Should the Giants win against the Cowboys, they risk falling all the way to the seventh overall pick on the draft board.
Despite the potential for a draft order slide, Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka asserted that New York would not be resting starters or reducing playing time in order to guarantee a loss.
Article continues below
“We’re playing the game. Everyone’s rolling all the way through,” he said. “We’re not even thinking that way [about limiting snaps] at all. Going straight through. Straight through all 60 minutes or whatever it takes.”