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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.