In just one season, John Tonje captivated Badger nation with his humbleness, gratitude, and of course his incredible basketball play. A transfer from Missouri, Tonje came in as a relative unknown, but left a fan favorite. Now a member of the NBA's Utah Jazz, he still has found a way to continue earning Badger fans' admiration.
Despite moving out west, Tonje posted on social media that he'll keep his football fandom back in the state of Wisconsin. He wrote "Never had a football team growing up, but I went to Wisconsin so I guess I'm a Packers fan."
Never had a football team growing up but I went to Wisconsin so I think I’m a Packers fan🧀😂
— John Tonje (@johntonje1) August 12, 2025
Notably, Utah does not have an NFL team, but you can bet the Denver Broncos contingent is raring to covert the former Badger. So far though, Tonje has done nothing but show love to the Badger state, and his allegiance looks to be unbreakable.
It was already impossible not to like Tonje, but now he's firmly established himself as one of the most beloved Badgers, even if he only played in Madison for just one season. In his lone year, the All-American averaged 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Badgers on their way to earning a three-seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Wisconsin fans are loving John Tonje becoming a Cheesehead
State of Wisconsin: pic.twitter.com/jswHKtexL2
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) August 12, 2025
John Tonje for Governor! https://t.co/LMLmXT1Kcd
— Chris(not)Chelios (@ChrisNotChelios) August 13, 2025
In other news, John Tonje is the 2nd greatest player in Badgers history (@dekker is #1) https://t.co/KpujNoOpQb
— Robin Adams (@theotherRobin19) August 13, 2025
While Tonje has yet to sign a new contract with the Jazz, he looks to be on track to make this season's roster. Undoubtedly, he will become a fan favorite in Salt Lake City as well, but his ties to Wisconsin will always hold strong.