From Windsor high school student to New York Giant: Theo Johnson selected in NFL Draft
A former Windsor high school graduate will soon be moving to New York after being selected during the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.
Theo Johnson, a tight end for Penn State University, was selected Saturday by the New York Giants — making him the 107th overall pick in the draft.
"Answering the phone and hearing it from Coach Daboll, it was truly a special moment," said Johnson, 23, who met with fans at Windsor's NFL Draft party about an hour after being selected by New York.
Johnson was first introduced to the sport when living in Cambridge.
He and his mother and five brothers endured domestic violence at the hands of his father. Following his parents’ separation, Theo turned to football as an outlet and played for the Cambridge Wolverines.
When his mother was accepted into law school at the University of Windsor, Johnson continued his football journey.
He went on to play at Windsor’s Holy Names High School before eventually moving on to Penn State.
Theo Johnson of Windsor, Ont. was selected by the New York Giants during the NFL Draft in Detroit, Mich. on April 27, 2024. (Source: New York Giants/X)
"I knew my life had changed," Johnson said after being drafted. "I've worked a long time for this, coming from Holy Names and coming from the Essex Ravens."'
Even though his professional NFL career is just beginning, Theo said he looks forward to being able to give back to young Windsorites.
“I came up from Windsor as a little pup, looking up to Luke Willson and Tyrone Crawford. Now, I'm in their shoes," said Johnson. "I take a lot of pride in that ... Hopefully, there's another kid that's looking up to me and they'll be in my shoes one day."
Click here to see more video from Windsor's NFL Draft party Saturday.
— with files from CTV News Windsor’s Melanie Kentner and CTV News Kitchener’s Tyler Kelaher
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.