Chad Johnson
Entrepreneur and athlete
Chad Johnson—famously known for changing his last name to Ochocinco in 2006—was drafted 36th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. Fans worldwide quickly embraced his vibrant personality and playmaking ability, making him one of the most prominent figures in sports. Over his 11-year NFL career, he earned six Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro honors, and was inducted into the Cincinnati Bengals' Ring of Honor in 2023. Following his playing career, Chad transitioned into entertainment, where his compelling storytelling captivated global audiences. He served as an analyst for Fox Sports during the 2022 World Cup and is currently in his second season as a lead analyst for Inside the NFL on CW. Additionally, he partnered with Shannon Sharpe to create Nightcap, a sports podcast that perfectly encapsulates culture. Nightcap recently won a Webby Award for Best Sports Podcast. Outside of traditional sports media, Chad's multi-faceted personality has led to appearances on Dancing with the Stars and, most recently, as a guest on the newly rebooted Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Thanks to his authenticity and ability to transcend culture, Chad has become the ideal brand partner for numerous companies, including EA Sports and DraftKings.