Position change? Chad Johnson says he'll try out for XFL as kicker
He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2011, but Chad Johnson still loves football, and may get another chance to play — though not at receiver.
Johnson also loves the other football, or what we in the U.S. call soccer, and that ties to his new opportunity.
‘The opportunity has presented itself’
On Tuesday morning, Johnson tweeted, “The opportunity to kick in the XFL has presented itself, I must tryout Monday in Houston, I’m excited as hell & I’m sure all will go well.”
The XFL has not returned an email seeking confirmation of the workout, but he would certainly be a big draw if he were to make a team in the upstart league.
Johnson’s first athletic love was soccer, and while he played in the NFL for 11 years, twice a first-team All-Pro and six times a Pro Bowler, he’s always followed the sport. He famously plays against fans online in the FIFA video game, and during the NFL lockout almost a decade ago he worked out with MLS’ Sporting Kansas City and European clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid, getting a chance to see Lionel Messi and Ronaldo up close.
While it’s of course a long shot, Johnson still allowed himself to publicly ponder a return to the NFL at his new position.
“Pretty far fetched but imagine me being consistent during an XFL season & getting a chance at a 53 man roster in the NFL, even if I don’t make it just being able to compete for a spot at an entirely different position will be so riveting,” he tweeted, ending with a smiley-face emoji.
Johnson did convert an extra point for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2009 preseason.
Last month he posted video of himself making a long field goal:
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