Former Cambridge Wolverine overcomes the odds, sets sights on the NFL
On the cusp of realizing a lifelong dream, Canadian Theo Johnson’s path to the National Football League (NFL) is a story of hardship and triumph.
Johnson is one of the top tight end prospects coming into this week’s NFL Draft. The 23-year-old is coming off his fourth NCAA season at Penn State, but before excelling in the sport of football Johnson was first introduced to the game in Cambridge, Ont.
Johnson grew up with his mother Amy and five brothers. At a young age the family endured a stretch of domestic violence at the hands of Theo’s father.
After her separation, Amy signed the boys up in different recreational activities. For Theo, his outlet was football.
“It was obvious the kid loved football,” said Steve Amis, past president of the Cambridge Minor Football Association. “The whole family was tight-knit.”
Theo played for the Cambridge Wolverines, bouncing between multiple positions.
“He was a bigger kid for sure,” Amis told CTV News. “Always the first kid on the field, didn’t want to ever come off the field.”
Theo continued his football journey in Windsor after Amy was accepted into law school at the University of Windsor.
“Two law schools basically laughed her out of their offices and said 'sorry you have six children, you want to go to law school, don't waste our time,’” TSN football insider Dave Naylor told CTV News. “The third [school] said 'yes' and she was going to make that opportunity pay."
Amy went on to become a family lawyer and founded her own firm.
"Amy Johnson on her own is a story,” Naylor said. “If she never had a son who played football, her family story, her personal story is still a story worth telling.”
Theo went on to play at Holy Names High School in Windsor before moving on to Penn State. With this week’s draft opening in Detroit, some NFL scouts project Johnson to be one of the top prospects at his position.
“You see a player who has all the tools,” said Naylor. “He has speed, he has the athleticism, he has the strength, he has the hands, and he has the blocking. We think he’s going to be in that mix in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.”
Johnson’s talents bringing him closer to the game’s brightest stage. While his family’s success story stretches so far beyond the football field.
"I think a lot of the emotion of that family is going to be released when Theo Johnson is selected in the NFL Draft,” Naylor said. “[This is] on a very short list of the most incredible stories I’ve ever heard."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
BREAKING City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.