Chad Johnson has not caught a pass in an NFL game in more than five years, and he had no problem admitting the game has passed him by after he stopped by a Miami Dolphins practice session.
According to Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post, Johnson worked with the wide receivers at Dolphins practice on Thursday. He chatted with head coach Adam Gase during the stretching portion and then coached some players during receiver drills.
“It was great having a legend out there with us,” rookie receiver Jakeem Grant said after practice. “It was a big surprise. We had no idea. Having him out there telling us little things he learned and giving us tips was great. We loved having him.”
The Dolphins were the last NFL team Johnson was signed with, though he didn’t end up making the 53-man roster. That was back in 2012, and even the artist formerly known as Ochocinco seems to think he wouldn’t be able to keep up in today’s NFL.
I really thought I was making progress in the weight room until I went to dolphins practice today, like the damn kicker is bigger than me
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) December 23, 2016
Johnson also had some more serious thoughts to share. He was very complimentary of Gase after spending time with the team.
He gets it, hard to explain w/in the 140 character limit, understanding today's players & finding that balance to get the best out of them. https://t.co/A4pXGxxRmq
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) December 23, 2016
While he may be better known for his flamboyant celebrations than he was for his on-field production, Johnson was one of the best receivers in the NFL for a number of years. Rookies would be wise to listen to his advice. And if Chad isn’t going to get the job he asked for earlier in the season, he might as well get his football fix by helping out his former team.
