'Oh man, here it is': Cambridge football player recounts getting drafted to NFL
Theo Johnson is heading to the National Football League.
The tight end from Penn State University was selected Saturday by the New York Giants in the fourth round — making him the 107th overall pick in the draft.
"I was checking my phone and then I see a New Jersey area code and I'm like, 'oh man, here it is,'" said Johnson. "They told me they were going to pick me. Then I was on the phone with the coach right after that.
"I'm super excited with the system they run and my skillset that I bring to the table. I think it's going to be a great match."
The 23-year-old was surrounded by family and friends in Windsor when he got the news.
However, his football journey started less than three hours up Hwy. 401 many years ago.
"I wanted to play, I was itching to play, and finally my mom let me start playing when I was seven," said Johnson. "Ever since I took my first snap I knew it was something I wanted to do."
It was in Cambridge where he played football for the first time.
"It's a huge inspiration to kids," said Steve Amis, a past president of Cambridge Minor Football Association. "Not just to Cambridge minor football players, but in the region, province, and in the country."
Johnson has been touted for his size and athleticism and is one of four Canadians who was taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.
"It's pretty special because it's a very small group of people that are able to do that," said Johnson. "It's not something that's easy, no matter where you're from in Canada, so I take a lot of pride."
Johnson heads to New York next week for the start of Giants' rookie mini camp.
"My goal is to earn the trust and respect of my team and my teammates and my coaches, excel in whatever role that is," said Johnson.
He expects to be in New York through the end of June before training camp opens in July.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi still missing after helicopter accident in mountains
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.'