Pro football has always been a dream for this Windsorite. Now, he's in the NFL draft | CBC News LoadedPlaying in the NFL has been a dream for Theo Johnson, and this week, the Windsorite will participate in the NFL Draft just a stone's throw from home.Posted: Apr 23, 2024 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: April 23
Johnson, 23, was born in Winnipeg, but from about the time he was 10 lived in Windsor with his mom and five brothers. He played for the Essex Ravens and went to local training camps, like Windsor's Finest Football Academy — run by two home town football names, Tyrone Crawford of the Dallas Cowboys and Daryl Townsend of the Montreal Allouettes.
Growing up, Johnson said being one of six kids, all boys, brought a "crazy" dynamic to the home. But today, it's made him a stronger player. Detroit will host the NFL draft beginning on Thursday, with hundreds of thousands of people and fans expected downtown for the three-day sports spectacle. Round one of the draft, reserved for the top 32 picks, will begin at 8 p.m.
"I don't know if you could write it up any better for a kid like me," he said. "I take a lot of pride from being where I am."Canadian ex-NFLer has mixed feelings about his time with Detroit Lions, but the wins are exciting for Windsor Theo Johnson says his large family, with five brothers, is part of what made him tough enough for a pro football career — but these days, Johnson jokes that he could definitely best his older brothers in a fight. He also credits his mom, pictured, with his success today.