After transferring from Texas A&M Aggies in 2023 to the North Carolina Tar Heels, 2024 looked like Max Johnson’s season. Johnson got the starting quarterback nod and was prepared to live up to the expectations, however, he was very unlucky.
In the opening game of the season against Minnesota, Johnson suffered a leg injury that ended his season before it took off. Recently, Johnson revealed that things could’ve gone much worse because of the injury.
“There was a point in time where I thought I was going to lose my leg,” he told reporters on Saturday.”
UNC QB Max Johnson said he needed five surgeries after a serious leg injury last season.
“There was a point in time where I thought I was going to lose my leg.” pic.twitter.com/fG6SWCpdod
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) August 2, 2025
The injury was so severe that he had to undergo five surgeries in order to be game-ready. Throughout the recovery process, Johnson was very open about the pain he was suffering from. The Tar Heels QB shared a video in April, showing his progress.
In the clip, Johnson also showed his surgery mark that went from his waist to his knee. He also showed how he struggled to put his foot on the ground, had trouble walking, and eventually used crutches.
UPDATE: Grinding!!! Looking forward to the season! pic.twitter.com/OlwHRMONrL
— Max Johnson (@MaxJohnson14) April 10, 2025
The QB went through a lot of medical care and practice drills to make himself fit enough to step on the field. Now, he is back in good shape and has been practicing for the last few weeks. He is confident about gaining full range mobility for his second season with the Tar Heels.
While, Johnson will certainly have his first full season in North Carolina, his quarterback position is no longer guaranteed. He has strong competition in Gio Lopez, who is most likely to kick off the season.
Bill Belichick commended Max Johnson’s efforts
While speaking to the media on the first day of camp, Coach Belichick heaped praise on Max Johnson. He said that the 24-year-old has done a lot of work on himself to be ready for the next season, but it’ll be assessed in the coming weeks.
“Max has done a great job. Worked really hard. He’s made a tremendous amount of progress throughout the process,” Belichick told reporters. “But really it’s that last, you know, call it 20% between not being able to play and really being ready to play, ready to start training camp, which is where he is now.” (5:21)
Belichick stated that Johnson has mostly worked out on his own and is yet to fully participate in team drills. Regardless, his progress is worth acknowledging.
“So it’s a big jump for him in terms of what he’s able to do, although I think the progression is very gradual. It’s 1% at a time, but at some point, he’s crossed that threshold. He’ll be ready to participate out there with all the other players.”
Even if Max Johnson doesn’t suit up for the season opener, he will represent the Tar Heels at some point in the season. Considering the nature of his injury and the long recovery process, it’s fair to give him all the time he needs.
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