There’s a fantasy we regularly purchase into — that success is a person sport. That the strongest, the quickest, the neatest pull themselves up by their bootstraps and make all of it occur alone. However for those who’ve ever watched somebody rise via adversity and actually flourish, you realize that’s not the way it works.
Success — actual, significant, resilient success — takes a village.
And few tales seize that higher than Tez Johnson’s — who was chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the seventh spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft (235th general choose). You won’t have adopted each identify on draft weekend, however Tez’s story is one you’ll wish to keep in mind.
From Loss to Legacy: Tez Johnson’s Story
Tez’s childhood didn’t comply with the script you often hear in post-game interviews.
Born in Alabama, he confronted heartbreak early — shedding his father to suicide as an toddler.
Within the years that adopted, life introduced extra challenges the place alternative was restricted and hardship was a every day actuality.
Life wasn’t straightforward. However even within the midst of wrestle, there was love, energy, and sacrifice.
His mom, Shamika, gave all the things she needed to take care of her youngsters. And when Tez was 15, she made one of the vital selfless and brave choices a father or mother could make: she allowed him to maneuver in along with his highschool soccer coach’s household — the Nixes — so he may have the construction, assist, and sense of stability he wanted to thrive.
It wasn’t a authorized adoption, but it surely was a house in each sense of the phrase. And Bo Nix — who would later turn into Oregon’s star quarterback — turned his brother for all times.
That new atmosphere gave Tez the steadiness to thrive. He didn’t turn into nice in a single day. He nonetheless needed to combat for recognition, first at Troy College and later when he transferred to Oregon. However each step of the way in which, Tez carried two issues: the hearth of somebody who had overcome actual adversity — and the regular 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 simply two years, and setting a single-season program report for receptions. This spring, his lifelong dream got here full circle when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers referred to as his identify through the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tez’s story isn’t nearly making it to the NFL — it’s in regards to the unseen arms that helped him rise. Those who stepped in when it mattered most. Those who reminded him that even within the hardest moments, he wasn’t alone.
Maggie’s Story: Changing into a Campogni
That theme — that household is typically present in probably the most sudden locations — is one which hits near residence for us.
When Maggie turned a Campogni, it wasn’t simply via paperwork or courtrooms. It occurred via the regular presence of her village: her MiMi, Nana, and Granny CC, her adoption staff, advocates, lecturers, case managers, and cheering part of grandparents, household, and associates who stood beside her each step of the way in which.
It took a crew of individuals to create the secure, loving world she deserved. And each single one among them helped write a bit of her story.
Like Tez, Maggie emerged from her journey not hardened however stronger. She is now surrounded by extra love than she may have imagined—not despite her previous however due to her resilience, energy, and the way in which she let folks in.
Each Tez and Maggie are proof that the trail to success isn’t walked alone. It’s walked hand-in-hand with the individuals who select to point out up, who select to remain, and who imagine that each baby deserves an opportunity to thrive and develop.
This Week: Honoring the Stars of Tomorrow
That’s why I’m particularly honored to be the visitor speaker at this yr’s Management Luncheon hosted by Eckerd Connects: Challenge Bridge on Might 13, 2025.
This occasion is greater than only a celebration. It’s a robust reminder of the energy present in neighborhood. The room might be crammed with youth who’ve overcome unimaginable odds — and the village that stood with them: case managers, profession coaches, mentors, foster mother and father, and prolonged households who by no means gave up.
At this luncheon, younger folks get to inform their tales — tales of ache, resilience, transformation, and hope. And the adults within the room get to see that the work they’ve poured into these children has not gone unnoticed.
However what in regards to the “Stars of Tomorrow” we’re honoring?
They’re not ready to be rescued. They’re rising as a result of somebody believed in them. As a result of somebody opened their residence, their coronary heart, or their schedule. As a result of somebody stated, you’re value it.
This luncheon, like Tez’s draft day and Maggie’s adoption day, is a celebration of what occurs when folks come collectively to vary a life.
Last Thought
So right here’s your Monday Morning Motivation:
You might not be capable to repair all the things for somebody. However you can be a part of their village.
You will be the coach. The mentor. The case supervisor. The “bonus mother.”
You will be the one who reveals up when it issues — even when all it’s a must to provide is time, encouragement, or perception.
And generally, the deepest therapeutic, the best progress, and probably the most unforgettable tales start with somebody deciding you don’t must stroll alone.
Curtis Campogni is the founding father of Speak4MC, a motivational talking and coaching group devoted to inspiring progress and alter. Curtis is a lifelong Bucs fan, husband, and father. Be taught extra at Speak4MC.com
This weblog was written to have fun generosity and spotlight the optimistic impression of present and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers gamers locally. The order of choices is for artistic and leisure functions solely and isn’t a rating of impression or significance. Each participant talked about — and plenty of extra not listed — have contributed to creating Tampa Bay a greater place. The views expressed are solely these of the creator and don’t signify some other particular person, group, or firm. This weblog was initially revealed on Speak4MC.com and is shared in collaboration with Bucs Report.