Athletic success at the collegiate level is nothing new for Calabasas alumni, but on Sunday, history was made at the professional level. Former four-star receiver Johnny Wilson, who played for the Coyotes from 2017-2020, caught his first-career touchdown midway through the third-quarter against the Dallas Cowboys. The catch was the first in NFL history for a Calabasas Coyote. For Wilson, it was only his second career catch, but one that certainly builds momentum as the Eagles enter the stretch run of the season.
“Johnny, just showing up, doing a lot of dirty work. I think he had a touchdown, I think it was a touchdown, last week, had that wiped off the board. To see him persevere, the excitement when Jahan makes the catch last week, those are the things that are pure,” said Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. “He’s appreciative of all his opportunities. I’m just happy for Johnny to execute the scramble drill and make a play.”
During his four years at Calabasas, Wilson recorded 187 receptions for 3,032 yards and 43 touchdowns. Each team he played on achieved deep CIF playoff success, with the Coyotes winning the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 championship his freshman year and competing in the highly competitive Division 2 playoffs in the following three seasons.
Wilson then played sparingly at Arizona State for two years before transferring to Florida State. With the Seminoles, he became an integral part of the offense, catching 84 receptions for 1,514 yards and seven touchdowns. In the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl, Wilson posted a career-best performance with 8 catches for 202 yards.
The Coyotes may soon add a second NFL touchdown, as Wilson’s former teammate Jermaine Burton is beginning to see regular playing time for the Cincinnati Bengals.
