TMZ Sports: Chad Johnson is serious about an MLS comeback

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Former NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson told TMZ Sports that he’s serious about training to be an MLS goalie. The 40-year-old said he’s “dead a** serious.”

He previously attempted soccer when the NFL was in a lockout in 2011 with Sporting Kansas City. He even got into a game as a reserve.

Yet, at that time, Major League Soccer did not want him. Seven-years-later, maybe there’s a chance, at least, according to Johnson.

He says that he is working with Inter Miami FC, David Beckham’s Miami team. Yet, they’re not set to start in the MLS until the 2020 season.

“I really think I can be exceptional at goalie with the proper training for the next two years,” Johnson said. “So, when Beckham has his team, I’m going to go try out for goalie. Period.”

When Johnson played in the NFL, he was a freak athlete. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft with the 36th overall pick.

He comes from a talented family. His relatives include Keyshawn Johnson, Antrel Rolle, Brian Rolle, Myron Rolle, and Samari Rolle.

Johnson played a decade with the Bengals. He appeared in 151 games, including 132 starts. He had 751 receptions for 10,783 yards and 66 touchdowns.

He ended his career with the New England Patriots, where he played during the 2011 season. He appeared in 15 games, but received three starts. He had 15 receptions for 276 yards and one touchdown.

The 276 yards and the one touchdown was the worst he had in a season since his rookie campaign in 2001 when he had 329 yards and a touchdown in a season.