Theo Johnson was starting to find his rhythm as a rookie when a foot injury cut his 2024 season short just before Thanksgiving.
During his time on the field, Johnson set personal bests in both catches and receiving yards, but an unfortunate injury in a game against the Cowboys hindered his progress, leading to a rather frustrating shoe spike incident.
“I was already disappointed with how things went, but the injury just added to that frustration,” Johnson reflected after a training camp session on Friday. “I started moving… everything seemed to be coming together.”
Now, Johnson, hailing from Pennsylvania, is reportedly fully cleared for action with no limitations as he enters his second season.
Despite the setbacks, he feels optimistic about his growth and anticipates further development this year.
“I believe this year will be significant for me, adding a bit more value compared to last year,” he mentioned. “The previous season was about growth, essentially taking a leap into the unknown.”
Drafted in the fourth round in 2024, he previously scored 12 touchdowns while amassing nearly 1,000 receiving yards at Penn State.
The 6-foot-6, 264-pound tight end’s game goes beyond just catching passes.
Head coach Brian Daboll praised Johnson as a “traditional worker,” noting that it’s rare to find a tight end with his background, especially one who has graduated from college.
For Johnson, this hard work is par for the course.
“I got onto the field because I was capable of blocking college freshmen,” the 24-year-old explained. “That blocking mentality, especially here in Pennsylvania, is something I’ve worked hard to elevate.”
What’s new for Johnson, however, is teaming up with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.
He describes Wilson’s enthusiasm as “infectious” and acknowledges there’s a learning curve as he adjusts to playing with a 36-year-old veteran—but he feels they’re building a solid connection.
As Daboll noted, “It’s only Day 2 of training camp,” yet Johnson’s improved health and the addition of a reliable veteran bode well for what could be a strong year ahead.
