Under the Helmet: Tyler Johnson
10/2/2019
Some of Tyler Johnson’s most vivid childhood memories came at TCF Bank Stadium. He distinctly remembers kicking footballs through the field goal post and throwing his arms up in celebration while attending football camps shortly after the stadium opened in 2009.
Fast forward 10 years and the Minneapolis North native is still making memories at the on-campus facility, but this time in his own Gopher jersey.
“It means a lot to me to be able to play here and represent my city, my state and my family,” Johnson said. “I grew up watching a lot of Gopher greats, so it means a lot to be able to wear the Maroon and Gold and play here and represent well. I'm doing things that not too many people are able to do.’
Johnson has been a significant contributor for the Gophers ever since setting foot on campus and has already cemented himself as one of the best receivers in school history. He set single-season records in receiving yards (1,169) and receiving touchdowns (12) last year and is poised to finish his senior season strong.
But playing at home is about so much more than the on-field performance for Johnson.
“I’m able to stay right down the road from my family and everybody,” he said. “Any time I need to go back, I can just go see them, talk to them and be around them if I need love and support. They’re there at all times.”
When the opportunity to play in the NFL came knocking after his junior season, there could have been many reasons for Johnson to answer.
It means a lot to me to be able to play here and represent my city, my state and my family. I grew up watching a lot of Gopher greats, so it means a lot to be able to wear the Maroon and Gold and play here and represent well. I'm doing things that not too many people are able to do.
But his work at Minnesota, on the field and off, wasn’t done and his reason for coming back was bigger than himself.
“Coming from where I come from, not too many positives come out of there, so I feel like that’s what makes it my inspiration,” Johnson said. “Not too many people get college degrees, so being able to set that example for other people is something that I can be happy about.”
Johnson is set to graduate with his degree in business and marketing education this year and has already made a splash through the first few games of his senior year, including a three-touchdown performance in a home win – another memorable moment at TCF Bank Stadium – against Georgia Southern.
Despite how thrilling the big plays are, Johnson hopes that his legacy at Minnesota will be simple, and that it will reflect his love for the game and his teammates.
“I’m always excited and happy to play this game,” Johnson said. “From training camp, to spring practices, to practices during the season and all the fun activities and team bonding we do outside of football. With all that, there’s a lot of passion and joy for me.”
