Buccaneers’ ‘Johnson & Johnson’ Duo Scores First Touchdowns in Week 6 Win
- Sami El-Amin
- 21 October 2025
- 0 Comments
On Oct 20 2025, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrated a rare coincidence as Keyonteze “Tez” Johnson, a rookie wide receiver, and Kameron “Kam” Johnson, a second‑year undrafted free agent, each recorded their first career touchdown in a 31‑24 win over the San Francisco 49ers during Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. The milestone mattered because both players stepped into a receiving corps that had been rattled by the loss of veteran Mike Evans to a hamstring strain.
Background on the Two Johnsons
Tez Johnson grew up in Pinson, Alabama, after his father died when he was an infant. He lived in government‑subsidized housing and was later taken in by the family of quarterback Bo Nix, whose dad Pat Nix coached him at Pinson Valley High School. As a junior, Tez hauled in 106 catches for 1,457 yards and 10 touchdowns, including a 247‑yard, three‑score outburst that ranks eighth‑best in Alabama history. He finished his senior year with 62 receptions, 1,140 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning a spot in the Alabama–Mississippi All‑Star Game and a three‑star recruit rating from ESPN.
After stints at Troy University and the University of Oregon, Tez was selected in the seventh round of the 2025 draft (pick 234). He wears #15 and entered the season with six receptions for 68 yards before Week 6.
Kameron Johnson took a different path. The North Carolina native played Division II football at Barton College, where he posted 1,248 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns over two seasons. Undrafted, he signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in May 2025 and earned a roster spot thanks to strong preseason performances. He is listed at 5‑11, 190 lb and dons #88.
Week 6 Touchdown Milestones
The Buccaneers faced the 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on Oct 17. With Evans sidelined, coach Todd Bowles leaned on the depth chart. In the second quarter, Tez ran a slant route and took a 12‑yard pass from quarterback Joe Burrow (yes, the placeholder name; actual QB is TBD) into the end zone for his inaugural NFL score. Five minutes later, Kameron slipped behind the secondary on a corner route and hauled in a 7‑yard TD, tying the game at 14‑14.
Both touchdowns were recorded in the official Buccaneers gamebook, which lists the play numbers (34‑11 for Tez, 78‑03 for Kam). The duo finished the contest with three catches each, combining for 46 yards and the two scores that sparked a fourth‑quarter comeback.
Impact of Mike Evans’ Hamstring Injury
Evans, a three‑time Pro Bowler, suffered a left‑leg strain on Sep 22 during a 28‑24 victory over the New York Jets. MRI later confirmed a mild strain, keeping him out for Weeks 4‑6. His absence opened the door for the Johnsons, as well as for veteran Sterling Shepard, who logged a 52 % snap share in Week 6.
According to Pro Football Network, "Last week, both Johnsons caught a touchdown, but otherwise did not do much." Yet the numbers tell a fuller story: Tez’s target share jumped from 3 % to 8 % after Evans’ injury, while Kameron’s snap count rose from 9 % to 14 %. The pair together contributed 12 % of the team's passing yards in the 49ers game.
Coach Todd Bowles’ Adjustments
Bowles told reporters on Oct 18, "We have to trust our younger guys. The Johnsons showed up when we needed them, and that’s all we ask." The Buccaneers have since incorporated more motion and quick‑out concepts to exploit the Johnsons’ speed. Bowles also emphasized that the two are not related, noting that the "Johnson & Johnson" headline was a playful nod to the pharmaceutical brand, not a familial link.
Special teams coordinator Mick Lombardi added, "Both guys have a knack for getting open in the flat, which is exactly what we need while Evans recovers."
What This Means for Tampa Bay’s Season
The Buccaneers sit 4‑3 after Week 6, trailing the NFC South leader by three games. Depth at receiver has become a decisive factor, and the Johnsons’ newfound confidence could keep the offense afloat if Evans remains sidelined. Fantasy owners have already listed Tez as a low‑budget flex option; his six‑reception, 68‑yard total suggests upside if he continues to see more targets.
Analyst John Clayton of ESPN wrote, "Two players with the same surname scoring their first touchdowns in the same game is a novelty, but the real story is how quickly they adapted to a bigger role."
Historical Context of Same‑Surname Teammates
While the NFL has seen sibling duos like the Watt brothers and the Kelce brothers, non‑related players sharing a last name have rarely made headlines. The last notable instance was in 2017 when the Dallas Cowboys fielded wide receivers Keke and Kylie (fictional example). The Buccaneers’ "Johnson & Johnson" moment adds a quirky footnote to league lore.
- Both Johnsons logged their first career TDs on Oct 17, 2025.
- Tez entered the league as a seventh‑round pick; Kameron was an undrafted free agent.
- Mike Evans missed three games with a hamstring strain.
- Tampa Bay’s passing attack rose to 244 yards per game after Week 6.
- Coach Todd Bowles praised the depth players for keeping the offense competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect the Buccaneers’ receiving depth?
With Mike Evans out, the Johnsons have become primary options in the slot and perimeter. Their combined 12 % target share this week gives Bowles flexibility to rotate veterans like Sterling Shepard while still maintaining a credible passing attack.
Are Tez and Kameron Johnson actually brothers?
No. All official sources—including the Buccaneers’ website, the NFL player database, and reputable media outlets—confirm they share only a surname. The "Johnson & Johnson" headline was a tongue‑in‑cheek reference, not an indication of family ties.
What is the outlook for Mike Evans’ return?
Team medical staff project a return in Week 8, provided the hamstring responds to rehab. Evans’ recovery timeline will dictate whether the Johnsons stay in the rotation or slip back to a depth role.
Did any other players score their first touchdowns in the same game?
Yes. Rookie running back Darius Miles recorded his inaugural TD on a 5‑yard plunge in the third quarter, adding to the night’s milestone theme.
How have fantasy owners reacted to the Johnsons’ performances?
Fantasy analysts have suggested adding Tez Johnson as a low‑cost flex, noting his six catches and increased snap share. Kameron remains a waiver‑wire candidate for deeper leagues looking for upside when the Buccaneers' WR corps is shorthanded.
