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Oregon Ducks WR Tez Johnson shows true class with post-game gesture after Rose Bowl loss

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sophie Weller | Last updated Jan 2, 2025 8:56 AM ET

It was the ultimate showing of sportsmanship by Tez Johnson after Oregon's tough loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl on New Years Day.

Johnson remained on the field as Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard was doing an interview after the game in order to congratulate him.

Any player would be upset after their team loses following such an incredible performance all year. And seeing the other team celebrating is hard to watch.

But, Johnson put all that to the side in order to speak with Howard after the game, even though it meant waiting a little bit.

Tez Johnson waited for Will Howard to be done with his interview so he could congratulate him on the win pic.twitter.com/wvbPZcYv2D
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 2, 2025

This is what it's all about.

And it was the definition of true class.

Johnson spent the first three seasons of his college career at Troy before transferring to Oregon. In 2023, he had a career high 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns. And with that, he set Oregon's single-season record for receptions.

This year, he finished with 78 receptions for 866 yards and 10 touchdowns, and was named the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game MVP.

Johnson will be entering the 2025 NFL Draft, and will have a bright future in the league.

Not only can he contribute on offense, but he also can bring a lot on special teams as a punt returner.

While teams ultimately look at a player's talent, the traits they demonstrate off the field matter too. Johnson's post-game gesture is exactly that.

It was an incredible season for Johnson and Oregon, and he ended things on a high note.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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