To hear Chad Johnson tell it, he didn’t choose this latest adventure.
The adventure found Johnson, and the retired All-Pro wide receiver, known alternately as “Ochocinco,” simply accepted.
That’s how things often work out for Johnson, who navigates his way through this thing called life with his eyes peeled and mind open to enriching experiences. Opportunities just seem to fall in his lap.
This latest invitation came in the form of a phone call from boxer Floyd Mayweather, who wanted to know if Johnson had interest in fighting on the undercard of Mayweather’s June 6 bout with YouTube personality Logan Paul.
“It’s an experience I’ve always wanted to experience all these years,” the 43-year-old Johnson, who last played in the NFL in 2011, told USA TODAY Sports. “I just never had the opportunity to do it.
“But look at this: 2021, get the call from Floyd, ‘You want to move around the ring a little bit?’ ‘You’re (expletive) right! What is the date?’ I just wanted to make sure I had enough time to prepare. I haven’t stopped moving around since I played football. I stayed moving because I have to be on point for my kids so I can show them how it’s supposed to look. It’s going to be fun.”
