Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Tez Johnson’s family includes his biological mother, Shamika Posey, and the Nix family, who welcomed him into their home when he was a teenager. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver considers former college teammate and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix his brother, despite the two not being biologically related.
Born Keyonteze Johnson on May 18, 2002, in Birmingham, Alabama, Tez experienced a challenging childhood before finding stability with Patrick and Krista Nix.
His story has attracted attention because of his close relationship with the Nix family, his rise to professional football, and his previously public engagement to Laila Thompson-Wainer.
Here is everything publicly known about Tez Johnson’s girlfriend, children, biological parents, adoptive family, siblings, and personal background.
Who Is Tez Johnson’s Girlfriend?
As of now, Tez Johnson has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver previously had a relationship with Laila Thompson-Wainer, whom he proposed to in February 2025.
The couple’s engagement became public in March 2025, when Johnson shared photographs of his proposal on Instagram.
The relationship later ended, with Thompson-Wainer publicly discussing their breakup in February 2026.
In April 2026, Johnson shared a social media photograph suggesting that he might have started a new romantic relationship.
However, the woman was not identified, and the photograph alone did not establish his relationship status.
Who Is Laila Thompson-Wainer?
Laila Thompson-Wainer is Tez Johnson’s former fiancée. She has a background in sports communications and has worked with professional sports organizations.
According to published biographical reports, Thompson-Wainer graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in communication.
Her professional experience includes work with the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Kraken, and Washington Huskies.
She developed a public profile through her involvement in sports media, fan engagement, and digital communications.
Johnson and Thompson-Wainer publicly celebrated their engagement in early 2025, receiving congratulations from friends and family, including members of the Nix family.
When Did Tez Johnson Get Engaged?
Tez Johnson proposed to Laila Thompson-Wainer on February 21, 2025.
He announced their engagement publicly in March, shortly after participating in the NFL Scouting Combine.
The proposal attracted attention across college football and NFL media because Johnson was preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Bo Nix’s wife, Izzy Nix, was among those who publicly congratulated the couple.
Why Did Tez Johnson and Laila Thompson-Wainer Break Up?
Tez Johnson and Laila Thompson-Wainer’s engagement ended before February 2026.
On February 21, 2026, Thompson-Wainer shared a TikTok video discussing the breakup and alleging that Johnson had exchanged inappropriate messages with a former girlfriend on the day of their engagement.
Her allegations were reported by Us Weekly, Sporting News, and the New York Post.
However, those claims represent Thompson-Wainer’s account of events and have not been independently established as fact. Johnson had not publicly addressed the allegations in the reporting available.
On April 27, 2026, the New York Post reported that Johnson appeared to hint at a new relationship through an Instagram photograph featuring an unidentified woman.
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation identifying his current girlfriend.
Is Tez Johnson Married?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Tez Johnson is married.
Although Johnson became engaged to Laila Thompson-Wainer in 2025, their engagement ended without a publicly documented marriage.
The NFL receiver has not subsequently announced a wedding or publicly identified a wife.
Does Tez Johnson Have Children?
As of now, there is no publicly verified information that Tez Johnson has children.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
His official NFL biography and established interviews do not identify any children.
Although Johnson frequently discusses family, those comments primarily concern his biological relatives and the Nix family.
Consequently, there is no reliable basis for identifying him as a father.
Who Are Tez Johnson’s Parents?
Tez Johnson’s biological mother is Shamika Posey, while Patrick and Krista Nix became his parental figures during adolescence.
Johnson’s biological father died when he was very young. His mother subsequently raised him in Alabama before allowing him to move into the Nix household.
His relationship with both families has remained important throughout his football career.
Tez Johnson’s Biological Mother: Shamika Posey
Shamika Posey is Tez Johnson’s biological mother. Some publications also identify her as Shamika Johnson.
She raised Tez in the Birmingham, Alabama, area under challenging financial and personal circumstances.
According to a feature published by the Tampa Bay Times, the family experienced periods of hardship, including living in subsidized housing in neighborhoods affected by violence.
Johnson has spoken publicly about how difficult his early childhood was and the emotional challenges he experienced before joining the Nix family.
When Tez was approximately 15 years old, Shamika agreed to let him spend time with the family of his high school football coach, Patrick Nix.
The arrangement initially involved only a short stay, but Johnson eventually became a permanent member of the Nix household.
In an interview with The Oregonian, Shamika explained that the decision allowed her son to pursue educational and athletic opportunities she feared he might otherwise miss.
Despite living separately, Tez maintained contact with his biological mother.
In 2024, he arranged for Shamika and other biological relatives to visit him in Eugene, Oregon, where they toured the University of Oregon’s football facilities.
The visit represented an emotional milestone because his mother could see the environment where her son had developed into a successful college football player.
What Happened to Tez Johnson’s Biological Father?
Tez Johnson’s biological father died when the football player was an infant.
According to reporting by CBS Sports and the Tampa Bay Times, his father died by suicide.
The identity of his biological father has not been reliably established in widely available public reporting.
Johnson has acknowledged growing up without his biological father’s presence and experiencing significant challenges during childhood.
The relationship he later developed with Patrick Nix provided him with an additional father figure.
Tez Johnson’s Adoptive Father Figure: Patrick Nix
Patrick “Pat” Nix is Tez Johnson’s father figure and former high school football coach. He is also the biological father of Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
Patrick played college football at Auburn University, where he was a quarterback during the 1990s.
After his playing career, he entered coaching and worked for several college and high school football programs.
In 2017, Patrick was coaching at Pinson Valley High School in Alabama when he recognized Johnson’s potential as a wide receiver.
Although Johnson possessed exceptional athletic ability, his personal circumstances were affecting his school life.
Patrick eventually worked with school officials and Shamika Posey to arrange for Tez to stay with his family.
In what was originally intended to be a temporary arrangement, Johnson moved into the Nix household.
Over time, Patrick became much more than a football coach.
Johnson began calling him Dad and developed a lasting relationship with him.
During a Father’s Day interview in June 2026 at Cherry Hills Community Church, Patrick and Tez discussed how their relationship developed through discipline, guidance, trust, and affection.
Johnson explained that Patrick’s willingness to correct him and help him improve showed that he cared about him as a son.
Tez Johnson’s Adoptive Mother Figure: Krista Nix
Krista Nix is Tez Johnson’s adoptive mother figure. She is married to Patrick Nix and is the biological mother of Bo, Caleb, Sara, and Emma Nix.
Krista welcomed Johnson into the family when he was 15 years old.
According to a Tampa Bay Times feature, she helped create a stable home environment where he received encouragement, structure, and consistent care.
Johnson has recalled that one of his first memories of the household was seeing family members eating dinner together.
He described that experience as significant because he had long wanted the stability and togetherness he witnessed.
Krista established household expectations that encouraged respect, communication, and affection.
Over time, Johnson began referring to her as his mother.
She continued supporting his football ambitions during his college career at Troy and Oregon.
When the Buccaneers selected Johnson in the 2025 NFL Draft, Krista publicly celebrated his achievement.
As of now, Johnson continues to recognize both Krista and Shamika as important maternal figures in his life.
Was Tez Johnson Legally Adopted by the Nix Family?
No. Tez Johnson was not formally adopted by Patrick and Krista Nix.
Although he is frequently described as Bo Nix’s adopted brother, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ official biography specifically clarifies that the arrangement was not a legal adoption.
Johnson became part of the family through an informal living arrangement that developed into a permanent parental and sibling relationship.
He has explained that the Nix family provided him with a supportive environment while respecting his relationship with his biological relatives.
Consequently, the word “adopted” is commonly used to describe the family’s emotional relationship rather than a formal legal adoption.
Does Tez Johnson Have Any Siblings?
Yes, Tez Johnson has siblings in both his biological and Nix families.
During a televised interview, Johnson said that he considered himself to have seven siblings across his extended family.
He has spoken about growing up with biological siblings and becoming a brother to Bo, Caleb, Sara, and Emma Nix.
1. Bo Nix – Tez Johnson’s Adopted Brother
Bo Nix is Tez Johnson’s adopted brother and one of his closest family members.
Born on February 25, 2000, Bo is a professional quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
The two met at Pinson Valley High School in Alabama, where Bo was the quarterback and Tez played wide receiver.
Their friendship quickly developed into a family relationship after Johnson moved into the Nix household.
Both helped Pinson Valley win a state football championship in 2018.
After high school, Bo played college football at Auburn University before transferring to Oregon.
Tez initially attended Troy University but later transferred to Oregon, reuniting with his brother for the 2023 season.
That year, Johnson recorded 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns.
Bo was subsequently selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In 2025, Johnson followed his brother into the NFL when Tampa Bay selected him in the seventh round.
Both players have publicly described their relationship as one of genuine brotherhood rather than simply friendship.
2. Caleb Nix – Tez Johnson’s Younger Adopted Brother
Caleb Nix is Tez Johnson’s younger adopted brother. He was born on February 28, 2003.
Caleb also developed an interest in football while growing up in the Nix household.
He initially played quarterback in high school before pursuing defensive football positions in college.
Caleb joined Clemson University as a defensive back and later continued his college football career at Jacksonville State.
Tez has spoken affectionately about sharing a bedroom with Caleb after moving into the family home.
During their early years together, they spent considerable time talking, playing games, and getting to know one another.
In his June 2026 Father’s Day interview, Johnson recalled how those ordinary childhood experiences helped establish their close relationship.
3. Sara Nix – Tez Johnson’s Adopted Sister
Sara Nix is one of Tez Johnson’s adopted sisters.
Sara was a young child when Johnson joined the family.
During the 2026 Cherry Hills Community Church interview, Tez recalled that Sara gave up part of her sleeping space to help accommodate him when he first moved into the household.
He described that gesture as an example of the kindness and acceptance he received.
Johnson has continued speaking warmly about Sara and the supportive relationship they developed.
4. Emma Nix – Tez Johnson’s Adopted Sister
Emma Nix is another member of Tez Johnson’s adopted family.
She is one of Patrick and Krista Nix’s two biological daughters and a sister of Bo and Caleb.
Emma has generally maintained a more private public profile than her football-playing brothers.
Although there is limited independent reporting about her education and career, her place within the Nix family is documented in established biographical profiles.
Tez Johnson’s Biological Brothers and Sisters
In addition to the Nix siblings, Johnson has biological siblings from his mother’s family.
Patrick Nix discussed Tez growing up with two siblings before moving into the Nix household during their Father’s Day 2026 interview.
Separate reporting by Sports Illustrated also documented a brother and sister visiting Tez at Oregon in May 2024.
However, their full names, ages, and professional backgrounds have not been reliably established in the available sources.
Johnson has described having seven siblings across his extended family, but not every individual has been publicly identified by name.
Tez Johnson’s Childhood and Family Background
Tez Johnson grew up in the Birmingham, Alabama, area before attending Pinson Valley High School.
His childhood included financial hardship and exposure to community violence.
During his June 2026 interview, he explained that football provided an important outlet during difficult periods of his early life.
He discovered that he possessed exceptional speed and became interested in playing competitive football.
When Patrick Nix joined Pinson Valley as head coach, Johnson attracted attention through his receiving ability.
After moving into the Nix household, he began benefiting from greater stability, regular training, and consistent family support.
His athletic performances improved, and he became one of Alabama’s promising high school football prospects.
Johnson helped the team win a state championship before signing with Troy University.
How the Nix Family Helped Tez Johnson Reach the NFL
The Nix family played a significant role in helping Tez Johnson pursue his professional football ambitions.
Patrick coached him during high school, while Bo provided encouragement as both a teammate and older brother.
Johnson joined Troy University in 2020 and developed into one of the program’s most productive receivers.
After the 2022 season, he transferred to Oregon, where Bo was already the starting quarterback.
Their familiarity contributed to an effective quarterback-receiver partnership.
Johnson completed his college career with 310 receptions, 3,889 receiving yards, and 30 receiving touchdowns across Troy and Oregon.
On April 26, 2025, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him with the 235th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
During his rookie season, he recorded 28 receptions for 322 yards and five touchdowns.
He became an emerging receiving option in Tampa Bay’s offense and celebrated several touchdowns with his signature backflip.
Despite his professional success, Johnson has consistently emphasized that his relationships with his biological and adopted family members are central to his identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tez Johnson’s Family
Who is Tez Johnson’s girlfriend?
As of now, Tez Johnson has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend. He was previously engaged to Laila Thompson-Wainer, but their relationship ended before February 2026.
Is Tez Johnson married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Tez Johnson is married or has a wife.
Does Tez Johnson have children?
As of now, Tez Johnson has not publicly confirmed having any children.
Who is Tez Johnson’s biological mother?
His biological mother is Shamika Posey, also identified as Shamika Johnson in some publications.
Who is Tez Johnson’s biological father?
His biological father died when Tez was very young. His name has not been reliably established in widely available public reporting.
Who are Tez Johnson’s adoptive parents?
His adoptive parental figures are Patrick and Krista Nix, who welcomed him into their household when he was 15 years old. The arrangement was not a formal legal adoption.
Is Tez Johnson related to Bo Nix?
Yes, they consider themselves brothers. Tez joined Bo Nix’s family during high school, although the two are not biologically related.
How many siblings does Tez Johnson have?
Johnson has said that he considers himself to have seven siblings across his biological and adopted families. His publicly identified Nix siblings include Bo, Caleb, Sara, and Emma.
What is Tez Johnson’s real name?
His full first name is Keyonteze, and he is professionally known as Tez Johnson.
Where is Tez Johnson from?
Tez Johnson is from the Birmingham, Alabama, area. He attended Pinson Valley High School before playing college football at Troy University and the University of Oregon.
What NFL team does Tez Johnson play for?
As of now, Tez Johnson plays wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He joined the team as a seventh-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
