One of Penn State football’s emotional leaders is declaring for the the NFL Draft but will play in the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss Dec. 30.
Theo Johnson recently wrapped up his fourth regular season at Penn State, and it will be his last, Johnson announced on social media early Friday afternoon.
It’s been real Happy Valley!🖤 pic.twitter.com/UHLm09d7pT
— Theo Johnson (@theo_Johnson_) December 8, 2023
Johnson ended the 2023 regular season with 32 catches for 325 yards and six touchdowns, finishing second on the team in all three categories.
Additionally, he was one of Penn State’s most important voices, which he worked to become over the offseason due his feeling that the team needed him to be a vocal leader.
In his social media statement, Johnson thanked his head coach, James Franklin, his position coach, Ty Howle and the rest of the “coaches, players, staff and the fans for making my time at Penn State an unforgettable experience.”
Johnson received significant playing time in all four of his college seasons, which is unusual.
In 2020, Johnson played in seven of Penn State’s nine games and made his first career start in a win at Michigan Nov. 28.
The next season, Johnson started six of Penn State’s 13 games and started nine of 13 in 2022.
Johnson and teammates such as current Jaguar Brenton Strange and Tyler Warren— who hasn’t announced his future plans yet— have helped give Penn State one of America’s best tight end rooms.
Last season, Strange declared for the draft but played in the Rose Bowl, and Johnson’s following the same path.
“I cannot wait to be with my Penn State Football family,” Johnson wrote “one last time when we compete at the Peach Bowl.”
