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
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.