Giants TE Johnson at Knicks Game Amid Illness Ruling

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson attended a New York Knicks basketball game on Friday night at Madison Square Garden, drawing attention after the team ruled him out of Sunday's season finale against the Dallas Cowboys due to an illness. The 2024 fourth-round draft pick from Penn State, who has recorded 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns this season, missed the previous week's game against the Las Vegas Raiders for the same reason.

Johnson, shown on the arena's video screen during the Knicks' 111-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, smiled and waved to the crowd, appearing energetic and healthy in courtside photos that quickly spread online. He addressed the situation early Saturday on his Instagram story, posting a photo from the game alongside a tweet about his attendance and writing, "I am not sick." Team officials clarified that Johnson is dealing with a non-contagious infection, distinct from the flu or COVID-19, which posed no risk to others in public settings. He did not practice this week but returned to the team facility after resting earlier.

The appearance fueled speculation on social media about the Giants intentionally resting healthy players to improve...