Brought to You by Speak4MC and the Bucs Report: The Number 1 Resource for Buccaneers Inspired “Monday Morning Motivation”
There’s a myth we often buy into — that success is an individual sport. That the strongest, the fastest, the smartest pull themselves up by their bootstraps and make it all happen alone. But if you’ve ever watched someone rise through adversity and truly flourish, you know that’s not how it works.
Success — real, meaningful, resilient success — takes a village.
And few stories capture that better than Tez Johnson’s — who was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft (235th overall pick). You might not have followed every name on draft weekend, but Tez’s story is one you’ll want to remember.
From Loss to Legacy: Tez Johnson’s Story
Tez’s childhood didn’t follow the script you usually hear in post-game interviews.
Born in Alabama, he faced heartbreak early — losing his father to suicide as an infant.
In the years that followed, life brought more challenges where opportunity was limited and hardship was a daily reality.
Life wasn’t easy. But even in the midst of struggle, there was love, strength, and sacrifice.
His mother, Shamika, gave everything she had to care for her children. And when Tez was 15, she made one of the most selfless and courageous decisions a parent can make: she allowed him to move in with his high school football coach’s family — the Nixes — so he could have the structure, support, and sense of stability he needed to thrive.
It wasn’t a legal adoption, but it was a home in every sense of the word. And Bo Nix — who would later become Oregon’s star quarterback — became his brother for life.
That new environment gave Tez the stability to thrive. He didn’t become great overnight. He still had to fight for recognition, first at Troy University and later when he transferred to Oregon. But every step of the way, Tez carried two things: the fire of someone who had overcome real adversity — and the steady presence of a village that believed in him.
At Oregon, Tez posted back-to-back breakout seasons, totaling over 2,000 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in just two years, and setting a single-season program record for receptions. This spring, his lifelong dream came full circle when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers called his name during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tez’s story isn’t just about making it to the NFL — it’s about the unseen hands that helped him rise. The ones who stepped in when it mattered most. The ones who reminded him that even in the hardest moments, he wasn’t alone.
Maggie’s Story: Becoming a Campogni
That theme — that family is sometimes found in the most unexpected places — is one that hits close to home for us.
When Maggie became a Campogni, it wasn’t just through paperwork or courtrooms. It happened through the steady presence of her village: her MiMi, Nana, and Granny CC, her adoption workers, advocates, teachers, case managers, and cheering section of grandparents, family, and friends who stood beside her every step of the way.
It took a team of people to create the safe, loving world she deserved. And every single one of them helped write a piece of her story.
Like Tez, Maggie emerged from her journey not hardened but stronger. She is now surrounded by more love than she could have imagined—not in spite of her past but because of her resilience, strength, and the way she let people in.
Both Tez and Maggie are proof that the path to success isn’t walked alone. It’s walked hand-in-hand with the people who choose to show up, who choose to stay, and who believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive and grow.
This Week: Honoring the Stars of Tomorrow
That’s why I’m especially honored to be the guest speaker at this year’s Leadership Luncheon hosted by Eckerd Connects: Project Bridge on May 13, 2025.
This event is more than just a celebration. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in community. The room will be filled with youth who have overcome incredible odds — and the village that stood with them: case managers, career coaches, mentors, foster parents, and extended families who never gave up.
At this luncheon, young people get to tell their stories — stories of pain, resilience, transformation, and hope. And the adults in the room get to see that the work they’ve poured into these kids has not gone unnoticed.
But what about the “Stars of Tomorrow” we’re honoring?
They’re not waiting to be rescued. They’re rising because someone believed in them. Because someone opened their home, their heart, or their schedule. Because someone said, you’re worth it.
This luncheon, like Tez’s draft day and Maggie’s adoption day, is a celebration of what happens when people come together to change a life.
Final Thought
So here’s your Monday Morning Motivation:
You may not be able to fix everything for someone. But you can be part of their village.
You can be the coach. The mentor. The case manager. The “bonus mom.”
You can be the one who shows up when it matters — even if all you have to offer is time, encouragement, or belief.
And sometimes, the deepest healing, the greatest growth, and the most unforgettable stories begin with someone deciding you don’t have to walk alone.
About the Author
Curtis Campogni is the founder of Speak4MC, a motivational speaking and training organization dedicated to inspiring growth and change. Curtis is a lifelong Bucs fan, husband, and father. Learn more at Speak4MC.com
Disclaimer:
This blog was written to celebrate generosity and highlight the positive impact of current and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers players in the community. The order of selections is for creative and entertainment purposes only and is not a ranking of impact or importance. Every player mentioned — and many more not listed — have contributed to making Tampa Bay a better place. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent any other individual, organization, or company. This blog was originally published on Speak4MC.com and is shared in collaboration with Bucs Report.
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