Chad Johnson is a free agent. While he is not exactly garnering any interest for his services, the wide receiver is technically on the market and is ready to play again. After sitting out the entire 2012, Johnson is making a plea to all NFL teams to give him a second chance.
The 35-year old wide receiver is a six-time Pro Bowler. While he is getting up there in age, players have proven to be able to play well into their 30's. While in Houston, Johnson told Comcast Sportsnet Houston that he hopes a team gives him another chance to play football again.
"I would love to get a second chance to play the game that I love," Johnson said.
Johnson has had numerous off-the-field issues that led to him not playing in 2012. He was arrested on domestic battery charges last year after getting into a fight with former fiancé Evelyn Lozada. The two then divorced. He was very publically released from the Miami Dolphins prior to the start of the 2012 season; the last team was on an NFL roster with. Since then, Johnson did his best to fly under the radar, saying the negative attention humbled him. Johnson wants another shot at proving himself.
"I'm in no position to be picky. There are not very many people who get second chances. I think I've been good to the NFL and for the NFL...at this point, I've learned my lesson and tried to right all my wrongs. I am human, " Johnson said.
Formerly known as Ochocinco before changing his name back to Johnson, he called out the Houston Texans, saying they are a good team and he believes he could be a good fit for them. Johnson was a former high school rival of Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson who said he would speak to Houston management on behalf of the former NFL star.
The last time Johnson was active in the NFL was 2011 when he spent one season with the New England Patriots. He had 15 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown. He and quarterback Tom Brady were never able to develop the chemistry needed for Johnson to play a big role with the team. In 11 seasons in the NFL, he has 11,059 career receiving yards, 766 receptions and 67 touchdowns.
