A Season-Ending Injury and a New Chapter

The fifth-year college quarterback’s 2024 season came to an abrupt end during North Carolina’s opener against Minnesota when his right leg was trapped underneath a defender at an awkward angle while attempting to avoid a sack.

The injury proved to be severe, requiring five surgeries, with Johnson later revealing there was even a point where he feared losing his leg.

Recovery and Determination

Johnson’s recovery journey has been gradual but steady, beginning with walking on an underwater treadmill before transitioning to running around Thanksgiving.

According to new UNC head coach Bill Belichick, “Max has worked hard, he’s made a lot of progress. He’s still limited, but he’s definitely getting better. We’ll take it day by day, but nobody’s put in more work than he has.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Johnson continues his rehabilitation, he’ll face competition in the quarterback room from Purdue transfer Ryan Browne and incoming freshmen, including four-star dual-threat QB Bryce Baker. The Tar Heels are scheduled to begin their 2025 season on September 1 against TCU inside Kenan Stadium.

Johnson brings considerable experience to the team, having spent four seasons between LSU and Texas A&M, accumulating 5,853 yards and 47 touchdowns while completing 60.5% of his passes. His most successful season came as LSU’s starter in 2021, where he threw for 27 touchdowns.

A Legacy of Resilience

While some might question why Johnson would endure nearly a year of rehabilitation without guarantees, his approach is simple: nothing in life is guaranteed, so why not spend each day doing what you love? As his father Brad notes, “When it’s in you and something that you enjoy, you can’t listen to the noise of what someone else thinks. It has to be your passion, your dream. You have to look back on your story and have no regrets. The chance for him to have the ball in his hands, the feeling of calling the play in the huddle, the feeling of the game, it matters.”