Former Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Chad Johnson is trying to make a comeback to football in the XFL. On Tuesday morning, Johnson tweeted out that he would be trying out for the XFL as a kicker on Monday in Houston.
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 🙏🏿
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) January 14, 2020
Kevin Seifert of ESPN confirmed through sources that the tryout is actually happening. Johnson last played in the NFL in 2011 and has spent a lot of time since retiring around soccer and kicking the football. During the 2009 season, Johnson hit an extra point and also had a kick-off.
Last year, Johnson declared his plans to make an NFL comeback as a kicker. While he ultimately managed to accomplish that plan, attempting to play in the XFL seems to be the next option.
Johnson put on Instagram back in December a video of him hitting a field goal from 60 yards. In the caption, he claimed he could have hit from 70 yards if he had a cleat on his plant foot.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6T_S1Mgfyj/?utm_source=ig_embed
Johnson tweeted out high hopes for his XFL tryout, saying he thinks with a good season, he could make it to the NFL next year as a kicker.
“Pretty far fetched but imagine me being consistent during an XFL season & getting a chance at a 53 man roster in the NFL, even i don’t make it just being able to compete for a spot at a entirely different position will be so riveting.”
There are no extra points in the XFL, and kickoffs will be spotted at the 25 or 30-yard line. The XFL right now doesn't really have a face of the league, but if Johnson were to get a job, he would quickly become that.
It's unclear how good of chance Chad Johnson has at making the league, but a tryout is the first step in making it happen.