Penn State Football: Theo Johnson Declares for NFL Draft, Will Play in Peach Bowl

Penn State football tight end Theo Johnson declared for the NFL Draft on Friday but indicated in a Twitter post that he intends to play in the Nittany Lions’ upcoming clash with Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl.

While at Penn State, Johnson has been a consistent presence in the Nittany Lions’ tight end room since 2020. His first year in State College, Johnson hauled down 19 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown. The following season Johnson started nine games at tight end catching 20 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns. For the past two seasons Johnson has largely split duties with fellow tight end Tyler Warren as Johnson himself 32 passes for 325 yards and six touchdowns. 

Johnson declaring for the draft does not come as huge surprise and continues an ongoing trend of Penn State tight ends making their way to the league. Johnson follows in the most recent footsteps of Brenton Strange, Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth. Johnson is the second player to declare for the NFL Draft so far since the conclusion of Penn State’s regular season, joining defensive end Chop Robinson, although Robinson will not participate in the Peach Bowl.