Tez Johnson Delivers As Punt Returner — And Then Doesn’t
August 16th, 2025
Up-and-down debut.
Yeah, Johnson showed Bucs fans exactly why the team hopes he’s the man to revive their bland punt return game.
Johnson made his NFL debut after sitting out Preseason Week 1 with a hamstring injury. The seventh-round pick, fielded a first-quarter punt at the 14 yard line, ran straight, juked right at the 19 yard line and flashed his elite change of direction. Johnson turned back left and was gone.
If he ran outside blocker Jacob Parrish after cutting up field, he might have had a chance to take it to the house.
Instead, Johnson’s inaugural NFL return was to the Bucs’ 45 yard line — a 31-yarder.
Joe wonders what last year’s Bucs return man, Trey Palmer, was thinking while watching Johnson’s debut. Palmer’s longest punt return last year was 17 yards.
But Johnson also bungled a bouncing punt that the Steelers recovered in the third quarter deep in Bucs territory. That led to a quick Pittsburgh touchdown. Johnson also seemed to misjudge a fair catch earlier in the game that cost the Bucs a harmless eight yards.
Typical up-and-down rookie night.
Johnson also had an eight-yard reception with the second-team offense, one that saw him juke defenders for yards after catch. Johnson also had an 11-yard catch and a 2-yard catch over the middle with the third-teamers, and an ugly drop on a crossing route.
Enjoy Johnson’s opening return below.
Rookie Tez Johnson nearly takes the punt back to midfield
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— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2025