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MIAMI, Fla. – Former Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Tony Johnson announced he will participate in the United Football League Showcase, set to take place in Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 8, he announced on social media on Tuesday.

The fifth-year senior spent one college football season with the Coral Gables program. In eight games, he caught seven passes for 162 yards and didn’t score a touchdown. Johnson didn’t play in the College Football Playoffs.

Following the National Championship game, the Ocala, Fla., native had the opportunity to participate in the Hurricanes’ Pro Day and leave an impression in front of several NFL scouts and executives. Instead, Johnson decided to step away from football entirely for personal reasons.

It’s been five months since Pro Day at the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility took place.

Johnson did miss the final four games of the Hurricanes’ regular-season schedule, but it’s unclear whether there were any major setbacks. Regardless, he’s been ready to chase professional football, but the journey will probably start differently than expected. Johnson has proven to defy the odds before.

As an unranked Vanguard High School recruit, the 2021 graduate joined the Florida Atlantic Owls as a walk-on. Johnson initially played just one game, then redshirted to preserve NCAA eligibility. Ahead of the 2022 season, he was placed on scholarship, then saw more on-field action. In 12 games, Johnson caught 23 passes for 258 yards and scored three touchdowns.

In the 2023 season, as a redshirt sophomore, a breakthrough was delivered. Johnson caught 37 passes for 411 yards and scored four touchdowns in 12 games. Following an impactful and productive season, he entered the transfer portal and found a new home in the Midwest.

Johnson joined the Cincinnati Bearcats and got a real taste of the Power Four level. He played in all 12 games (eight starts), carving out another productive and impactful season. Johnson caught 48 passes for 449 yards and scored six touchdowns. Following the season, he re-entered the transfer portal, returned to the Sunshine State, and called “The U” home for a year.

A new chapter approaches for Johnson, but the goal remains the same: the NFL. The odds aren’t favorable, but sports are about beating them. Johnson’s setback can create a meaningful comeback story. There are eight teams in the UFL and one could look to take a chance on him.

Johnson’s past production shows promise, but the foreseeable future should have more in store.

Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports

Full Statement

"First and foremost, I want to thank the University of Miami, my teammates, coaches, friends, family, and God for being there for me throughout my journey.

As many of you know, I made the difficult decision to step away from football and not participate in Pro Day due to personal reasons. It wasn't an easy decision, but at the time, it was one I felt was necessary to get myself back to where I needed to be, both on and off the field.

Football has always been a major part of my life, and I took this opportunity to reset and become the best possible version of myself.

I have been actively training and preparing for the UFL Showcase in Orlando, Florida, on November 8th, where I'll have the opportunity to compete, display my talents, and get properly evaluated.

I know the road back won't be easy, and I understand that I have a lot of work ahead of me. But I'm more than ready to earn an opportunity to prove myself.

The NFL has always been the ultimate goal, and stepping away from football never changed that. If anything, it gave me an even greater appreciation for the opportunity to chase the dream. Now, I'm ready to give everything I have, trust the process, and see how far this journey can take me.

I'm grateful for everone who has continued to believe in me, support me, and stand by me through the highs and lows. My story isn't over!

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