Max Johnson, quarterback, has made a highly anticipated comeback to the North Carolina Tar Heels after Gio Lopez’s injury.
According to News Break, the North Carolina Tar Heels season opener against the TCU Horned Frogs on Monday became an opportunity for veteran quarterback Johnson to make a comeback after a catastrophic leg injury during last season.
Lopez’s night took a drastic turn after he fumbled the ball in the third quarter and TCU recovered it for the touchdown. The American college football quarterback looked hurt and was taken off the field.
Following Lopez’s injury, Johnson stepped in as the new quarterback in the third quarter without any prior practice but showed his skills as he completed 9 out of his first 10 passes, a big change from when Lopez was playing.
Lopez, before the injury, spent more than two hours in the game without completing a pass, while Johnson, after coming into the third quarter, led North Carolina on an 80-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown pass to his younger brother, Jake Johnson.
This was Max Johnson's first touchdown pass since the 2023 season because last year, he played barely one game due to a broken leg injury that required five surgeries.
Johnson, after the game, expressed, “It’s just a blessing to be able to play football again.”
North Carolina lost 48-14, but Johnson's touchdown pass to his brother Jake became a heartwarming moment in the tough game.
