Max and Jake Johnson’s bond shines through in UNC’s game vs TCU

Not much went right for the UNC football program on Monday night.

Although the Tar Heels struggled mightily against TCU, there is at least something that serves as a very special moment for Max Johnson and his family.

Tar Heel fans know what Johnson has gone through since suffering a season-ending injury in last season's opener against Minnesota. While there was fear that he might lose the leg that suffered the gruesome injury, Johnson defied the odds, working his way back onto the field through months of rehab.

Johnson didn't win the starting quarterback job out of training camp, but he stayed ready for his moment to take the field. That moment came quicker than most anticipated: the third quarter of the season opener.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

If it doesn't sound familiar, that's the same quarter when Johnson got injured last season.

Johnson was ready to take the field and made the most of his opportunity, leading the Tar Heels down the field for their second touchdown of the night.

His target, none other than his brother, Jake Johnson.

The Johnson brothers connected for the two-yard score, serving as the first touchdowns of both their UNC football careers. Fittingly, it came via their brotherly connection, the route they both hoped it would take when they transferred to North Carolina a season ago.

What a special moment for Max Johnson and the Johnson family. His incredible comeback journey is remarkable in itself, but the determination, grit and toughness to find his way back onto the field as quickly as he has is simply admirable.

It just goes to show you that sometimes the journey doesn't go as initially planned, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel for the good guys to reach their goals.