Last Updated: September 1, 2026
Tez Johnson’s journey from the tough streets of Birmingham to the NFL is one of the most heartfelt stories in football. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, credits much of his success to the people who raised him. Fans searching for “Tez Johnson parents” quickly discover a tale of loss, sacrifice, and unexpected family bonds that shaped a resilient athlete.
Born Keyonteze Johnson on May 18, 2002, in Birmingham, Alabama, Tez grew up facing challenges most kids never see. His story involves both biological roots and a second family that opened their home when he needed it most.
Table of Contents
Biological Mother Shamika and the Early Struggles
Tez’s biological mother is Shamika Johnson, later known as Shamika Posey after remarrying John Posey. She raised him and his siblings in government-subsidized housing in the Pinson area near Birmingham. Life was hard. Shamika had not finished high school and struggled to find steady work. Tez has described the neighborhood as “the trenches,” a place filled with violence, shootings, and uncertainty about the next meal.
His biological father died by suicide when Tez was still an infant. No public details exist about the father’s name or background. Tez keeps a photo of him and has spoken openly about the pain of growing up without him. Shamika did everything she could, but the environment took a toll. Tez later admitted he hung with the wrong crowd and got into trouble at school. Football became his escape and peace.
Shamika made one of the hardest decisions a parent can face. When Tez was 15, she agreed to let him move in with his high school coach’s family. She has said she believed the move saved his life and allowed him to chase dreams she could not provide on her own. They remain close. Tez still calls her mom, and she has watched him play with pride, including emotional moments during his Oregon days.
The Nix Family: Patrick, Krista, and a Second Home
In April 2018, during his sophomore year at Pinson Valley High School, Tez moved in with Patrick and Krista Nix. Patrick was the head football coach and a former Auburn quarterback who led the Tigers to an undefeated season in 1993. Krista brought structure, love, and clear rules—like saying goodnight and “I love you” every night.
What started as a few days turned permanent. Tez never left. The Nix family did not complete a formal legal adoption, yet Tez calls Patrick “Dad” and Krista “Mom.” He has said the home filled with laughter and dinner-table conversations showed him a different way of life. Patrick provided guidance and discipline as both coach and father figure. Krista offered the steady maternal presence Tez needed.
How Tez Became Brothers with Bo Nix
Living with the Nixes meant Tez gained new siblings, most notably Bo Nix, the current Denver Broncos quarterback. The two played together at Pinson Valley, won a state championship, and later reunited at Oregon. Tez also bonded with Caleb Nix and the family’s daughters. He has described having two full families—one biological and one adoptive—creating a large, supportive network of seven siblings in total.
This bond went beyond the field. Bo and Tez still call each other brothers. The Nix family’s support helped Tez graduate high school, play college football at Troy and Oregon, and reach the NFL. Tez has publicly thanked them for changing his perspective on life, relationships, and responsibility.
Quick Facts Table: Tez Johnson’s Family at a Glance
Aspect Details Biological Mother Shamika Johnson (Posey) Biological Father Deceased (suicide when Tez was an infant) Stepfather John Posey Adoptive Parents Patrick Nix and Krista Nix Key Adoptive Sibling Bo Nix (Denver Broncos QB) Move-In Year 2018 (age 15) Birthplace Birmingham, Alabama Current Team Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Conclusion
Tez Johnson’s parents—both biological and the family that took him in—represent love in its most practical and courageous forms. Shamika’s selfless choice and the Nix family’s open door gave a talented kid from difficult circumstances the foundation to thrive. Today, as a professional wide receiver, Tez continues to honor both sides of his family while inspiring others who face similar obstacles. His story reminds us that family is defined by care, not just blood, and that second chances can rewrite a future.