Chad Javon Johnson (born January 9, 1978), known as Chad Ochocinco from 2008 to 2012, is an American former professional football player who left a significant legacy on the field during his 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Johnson spent 10 seasons with the team. Ochocinco means "eight five" in Spanish, which was also his jersey number.
Beyond his successful NFL career, Johnson also pursued other sports, showcasing his diverse athletic interests and abilities.
Chad Johnson with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born in Miami, Florida, Johnson graduated from Miami Beach Senior High School. He briefly attended Langston University before transferring to Santa Monica College in 1997. In 2000, he transferred to Oregon State University, where he was recruited by coach Dennis Erickson.
NFL Career
Johnson had 751 catches for 10,783 yards and 66 touchdowns in his 10 seasons with the Bengals, records that still stand as the most in franchise history. In 2011, the New England Patriots acquired Johnson in a trade with Cincinnati after he restructured a three-year contract for $6.35 million. Johnson played in his first Super Bowl, catching one pass for 21 yards.
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Johnson earned nationwide attention for his flamboyant attitude, which was often seen during his infamous end zone celebrations after catching touchdown passes. During the first game of the season, on Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson scored the game's first touchdown on a 39-yard pass from Carson Palmer. Following the touchdown, he grabbed a jacket that resembles the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees' jacket that said, "Future H.O.F. 20??".
A Passion for Soccer
Johnson's first opportunity to play organized soccer came in high school, but soccer season interfered with football, which he saw as a potential professional career. Once he made it to the NFL as a second-round pick, Johnson spent his off seasons traveling to Europe to watch his then-fellow Nike athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry, play soccer at the highest level, and he continued that tradition when he retired.
His passion for soccer has grown exponentially since then as both an avid fan and constant consumer of the beautiful game worldwide.
Chad Ochocinco during his soccer career
Attempting a Transition to Professional Soccer
Due to the 2011 NFL Lockout, on March 16, 2011, Ochocinco announced he would have a four-day trial for Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. Ochocinco was a soccer player in his youth and has stated he is an avid fan of the sport. His trial began on March 23, 2011.
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In 2018, Johnson returned to soccer, signing for then-National Premier Soccer League side Boca Raton FC in October after a period of training. On March 12, 2019, Johnson re-signed with Boca Raton FC for the 2019 Spring UPSL season after the team joined the United Premier Soccer League. On May 24, 2019, Johnson scored both goals in a 2-1 regular season win over the Palm Beach Breakers. Boca Raton FC would go on to win the South Florida Championship of the UPSL.
In 2011, Johnson - then known as Chad Ochocinco - participated in a four-day trial with Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City. He also played semi-professionally in his home state of Miami with Boca Raton FC.
Other Athletic Pursuits
Johnson is also known for his interests in sports outside of football. In June 2007, he footraced against a Thoroughbred racehorse over a furlong (220 yards / 200 meters) for charity; Johnson, given a 110-yard (100 m) head start, beat the horse by twelve lengths.
Beyond his endeavors on the field and pitch, Johnson has also made appearances in other sports-related events, such as participating in exhibition boxing matches.
Media Appearances and Other Ventures
Ochocinco is widely known for his frugality and focus on financial responsibility. For the first two years of Johnson's tenure with the Bengals, he lived at the Bengals' stadium Paycor Stadium, utilizing the variety of on-site amenities the team provided.
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On March 1, 2010, it was announced that Johnson would be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars for the tenth season. He was paired with two-time champion Cheryl Burke. He was eliminated from the show as one of the final four competitors on May 18, 2010, after receiving the lowest judges' score and number of votes. During the 2010-2011 NFL season, he and teammate Terrell Owens teamed up for a talk show, The T. Ocho Show on Versus, talking football, basketball, and pop culture. In 2010, Johnson was featured on his own reality television dating show called Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch on VH1. Aspiring singer-songwriter Rubi Pazmino won the show.
Johnson makes his FOX Sports analyst debut on FIFA WORLD CUP TONIGHT this fall and winter for the network’s coverage of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022â„¢. He is currently a panelist on the weekly highlight show Inside the NFL, a role he has held since the show moved to The CW in 2023. He also co-hosts the podcast Nightcap alongside Shannon Sharpe.
Career Statistics
The following table summarizes Chad Johnson's NFL career statistics:
#4: Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson | Top 10 End Zone Celebrations | NFL Films
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Seasons in NFL | 11 |
| Receptions | 766 |
| Receiving Yards | 11,059 |
| Touchdowns | 67 |
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