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Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson gave fans his surprising Heisman pick for the 2023 season. He also vowed to pay up if it doesn’t come to fruition.
Johnson predicts another pass catcher to bring home the hardware come season’s end, offering a guilty pleasure as collateral.
The outspoken football personality has always been entertaining, whether that be from his time on the football field or post-retirement. Johnson became a Bengals legend during his playing days, racking up over 11,000 receiving yards. That included leading the NFL in receiving in 2006.
Along with the production came showmanship as he made it trendy to choreograph celebrations when reaching the endzone. He kept that spirit going after hanging up the cleats, once offering to pay for Cincinnati running back Joe Mixon’s celebration fines received from the No Fun League.
Post-football, he’s taken on a number of endeavors. Celebrity boxing is one notable undertaking, as is his ownership in the Fan Controlled Football League.
Never far from the football world, Johnson often chimes in on what’s happening in the both the NFL and college. He went as far as to pitch Cincy coach Zac Taylor on a return to the roster in the 2022 season and is often seen facing off against current and former NFL stars as he shows off his still impressive athleticism.
This offseason, he’s looking at the college game. Ocho Cinco singled out one player he expects to have a big year.
Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is entering his third season in Columbus following a 1,263-yard campaign in 2022. The wideout hauled in 14 touchdowns to help the Buckeyes reach the College Football Playoff.
Chad Johnson is tabbing Harrison as his Heisman pick.
In an interview with Kevin Harrish of Meet at Midfield, Johnson had nothing but praise for the Ohio State star.
Talked to @ochocinco about @MarvHarrisonJr and he had a pretty bold prediction.
“Oh, he’s gonna win the Heisman this year. I stand on that. And if I’m wrong, I’ll never eat McDonald’s again.” pic.twitter.com/kM40SI0UjQ
— Kevin Harrish (@Kevinish) August 16, 2023
“He’s the real deal. He’s gonna win the Heisman this year,” Johnson proclaimed. “I stand on that. If I’m wrong, I’ll never eat McDonald’s again.”
A strong bet coming from the wideout, who owns three McD’s franchises and credits the fast-food chain for his career success.
At last look, Harrison holds around 20/1 Heisman odds, and he has history against him. Only one wide receiver has won the award since the turn of the century, with Devonta Smith landing the honor in 2020 at Alabama.
We’ll see if Harrison can bring Johnson’s prediction come to life. That Heisman campaign will begin on September 2nd when the Buckeyes face Indiana.