When Tez Johnson, a rookie wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, heard the stadium roar with MVP chants, he thought fans were cheering him. The reality? The chants were for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who’s been steering the ship through a receiver‑injury crisis at Raymond James Stadium on Oct. 21, 2025, just before Week 8 of the 2025 NFL seasonTampa, FL. The mix‑up sparked a lively press conference where wide‑receivers coach Bryan McClendon broke down both Johnson’s development trajectory and Mayfield’s growing off‑field influence.
Why the MVP chant mattered more than a simple cheer
Fans chanting “MVP! MVP!” is a tradition that usually crowns a season‑long star. For a rookie like Johnson, hearing his name (or at least the crowd’s energy directed his way) created an instant confidence boost. But the misunderstanding also highlighted a deeper narrative: the Buccaneers were scrambling for reliable targets after losing their top four receivers to injuries earlier in the season.
Depth issues that forced the Bucs to dig deep
By early October, the Buccaneers had officially placed receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, M.J. Williams and Rashod Bateman on the injured‑reserve list. “To lose receivers one, two, three, and four, and then have to lean on five, six, seven, and eight,” McClendon said, his voice echoing the frustration of a coaching staff that suddenly had to trust untested players.
That urgency forced the Bucs to promote practice‑ squad guys, sign free agents, and, most dramatically, give substantial snaps to Johnson. He was thrust into the rotation faster than most rookies see the field, and the MVP chant—though misdirected—served as a public reminder that the team’s hopes now rest on newer shoulders.
Coach McClendon’s take on Johnson’s progress
During the press briefing, McClendon highlighted Johnson’s “energy, knowing what to do, knowing how to do it, and then trying to bring as many guys along with them.” He went on, “He’s got the speed to stretch the field and the work ethic to earn the quarterback’s trust. If you watch the tape at the 310‑second mark, you’ll see him run crisp routes even against seasoned corners.”
He also emphasized the importance of mentorship: “Baker’s confidence rubs off on everyone. He holds this group to the same standard he sets for himself, and that’s what helps us stay competitive despite the injuries.”
Baker Mayfield: The franchise guy beyond the stats
Mayfield, the former number 1 overall pick out of Oklahoma, entered his second season with Tampa under the label “franchise guy.” McClendon’s description was more than hype; it was a nod to Mayfield’s off‑field leadership. “Man, we’re truly blessed to have the guy, like I said, but way more off the field than we are on the field,” McClendon said at the 315‑second cue.
Analysts have noted that Mayfield’s experience in high‑pressure situations—especially during his 2018 playoff run with the Cleveland Browns—translates into a steadying presence for a squad in flux. His willingness to coach younger receivers during practice, review film with them, and vocalize confidence during huddles has been described as “the glue holding the offense together.”
Impact on the upcoming games
Following the chant incident, the Bucs’ next three games saw a modest uptick in passing yards. Johnson logged 5 receptions for 72 yards against the New York Giants, while Mayfield threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns. The team’s third‑down conversion rate rose from 28 % to 35 % in that span—an improvement McClendon attributes to “the renewed belief that every player, even a rookie, can be a game‑changer.”
Statistically, the Buccaneers now sit at a 3‑4 record, sitting second in the NFC South, but the margin for error has shrunk. Every snap counts, and the coaching staff’s ability to keep morale high could be the difference between a playoff berth and a missed postseason.
What’s next for Johnson and the Buccaneers
Looking ahead, the Bucs have a bye week that could serve as a reset button. McClendon hinted that the staff plans to give Johnson more route‑running responsibilities, especially on deep‑post patterns that exploit his speed. Meanwhile, Mayfield is expected to continue his mentorship role, potentially taking on a dual‑quarterback‑coach title in official team communications.
Fans can expect more MVP‑style chanting in the stands—this time, hopefully aimed at the right player. And if the Buccaneers manage to stay healthy, the depth they’ve been forced to develop could become a season‑long advantage.
Key facts
- Rookie WR Tez Johnson confused MVP chants for himself on Oct. 21, 2025.
- Chants were actually for QB Baker Mayfield, who leads the team amid a receiver injury crisis.
- Wide‑receivers coach Bryan McClendon praised Johnson’s work ethic and Mayfield’s off‑field leadership.
- The incident occurred at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers.
- Team record after the incident: 3‑4, sitting second in the NFC South.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did fans chant MVP for Johnson?
The crowd heard Johnson’s name on the stadium screen and assumed the chant was for him. In reality, the chants were meant for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had just thrown a 30‑yard touchdown, but the signage mix‑up led to the confusion.
How have the Buccaneers’ receiver injuries affected the offense?
Losing four starters forced the Bucs to rely on backup players and rookies like Johnson. This depth issue lowered the passing yard average to 215 per game, but the team’s third‑down conversion improved after the coaching staff adjusted play‑calling to quick, short routes.
What does "franchise guy" mean in reference to Mayfield?
Coach McClendon used the phrase to describe Mayfield’s leadership beyond his on‑field duties. It highlights his role in mentoring younger players, setting a professional tone in the locker room, and being the public face of the organization.
Will Johnson’s confusion affect his confidence?
According to McClendon, the incident actually boosted Johnson’s morale. Being the center of a stadium chant—even by mistake—gave him a taste of fan support, which the coach hopes will translate into more aggressive play on the field.
What are the Buccaneers’ prospects for the rest of the season?
Analysts say the Bucs remain playoff‑eligible if they stay healthy and keep the momentum from their recent offensive adjustments. The bye week gives the coaching staff a chance to solidify the depth chart and address lingering injury concerns.
