The UNC Football program opened up training camp on Saturday morning, marking the official start of the Bill Belichick era at North Carolina.
One of the major takeaways from day one was Max Johnson’s ability to participate. Not even a year removed from suffering a significant leg injury in the UNC football program’s 2024 season opener, Johnson was on the field getting his work in, leading to the question:
Just how much is Johnson able to do at this point?
Let’s remember: the Tar Heels didn’t have full pads on when they took the field on Saturday morning, and the coaching staff will very likely be cautious when it comes to their approach with how to handle his return to the field.
Regardless, Johnson says he’s fully ready to go.
Max Johnson on his status:
— Michael Koh (@michaelkohwchl) August 2, 2025
“Totally cleared.”
While speaking to the media after practice, Johnson indicated that he is “totally cleared.”
Belichick spoke about Johnson’s injury rehab during his morning media session, giving the sense of caution most Tar Heel fans expected to hear.
Bill Belichick on Max Johnson:
— Michael Koh (@michaelkohwchl) August 2, 2025
"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, 1% at a time. But he's crossed that threshold. He'll be ready to participate out there with all the other players."
Considering how severe his injury was, it’s amazing that Johnson has progressed to this point. He told reporters that he underwent five surgeries on his leg, and there was some initial fear that he would lose his right leg after the injury.
QB Max Johnson says here after UNC’s first training camp practice, there was some initial fear that he might lose his right leg after suffering the gruesome broken leg injury in the 2024 season opener at Minnesota.
— Adam Smith (@adam_smith_IC) August 2, 2025
Multiple surgeries and months of rehab have led Max Johnson to this point. The veteran quarterback believes he has unfinished business on the football field, making every effort to return to the field as soon as possible.
Based on the early indications, it seems like Johnson is in a good place in his recovery process.