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Chad Johnson’s Agent Tips Veteran For NFL Return

Chad Johnson in a Miami Dolphins uniform. Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The author of this article is Adam Jones, a 29-year old sports journalism graduate from Yorkshire, fan of all sports and long-suffering Leeds United and Scotland football/soccer supporter.

Chad Johnson in a Miami Dolphins uniform. Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
Chad Johnson in a Miami Dolphins uniform. Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Chad Johnson’s agent has admitted the former six-time Pro Bowl receiver would jump at the chance to return to the NFL if the opportunity presented itself ahead of the new season. The 36-year-old is currently participating in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouttes, but Johnson’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has made it clear that the former Cincinnati Bengals star would be ready at a minute’s notice to return to the NFL if given the call.

After leaving the New England Patriots in 2011, Johnson came close to remaining in the NFL when he joined the Miami Dolphins for their pre-season training camp only to be released following a domestic dispute with his ex-wife. Since then, Johnson is rumoured to have fallen on hard times and the veteran took up the opportunity to continue his football career when he signed for the Alouettes in April.

While Johnson hasn’t exactly torn the CFL apart with his form, the receiver has shown glimpses of the player he was during his Bengals career, recording four receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown for Montreal so far.

As the NFL clubs prepare to get their pre-season campaigns underway, Johnson’s agent has admitted he is now hoping to take advantage of any injuries that could lead to him securing a return to the big league. While it’s unlikely any of the teams among the favourites with Betfair would be looking at Johnson, there could be a chance for the veteran to earn a return with one of the lower-end franchises if he continues to impress north of the border.

“If they did [call], he would jump for it. Of course, he would love it. But right now, he’s operating as a Canadian Football League player. We will see what happens. It’s not like we’re holding our breath that he’s going to play in the NFL. But he’s trying. That’s the goal,” said Rosenhaus.

At 36, Johnson would be the NFL’s oldest receiver if he did make a return, overtaking 35-year old Reggie Wayne of the Indianapolis Colts, but Rosenhaus insisted his client is still confident of holding his own against the younger guys.

“He would tell you that he could still do it better than anybody. He doesn’t lack confidence or enthusiasm,” added Johnson’s agent.

By Darren Heitner

Darren Adam Heitner, Esq., is a preeminent sports attorney and the founder of Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., a Fort Lauderdale-based law firm specializing in sports law, contract negotiations, intellectual property, and arbitration. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Florida in 2007, where he was named Valedictorian of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Admitted to practice in the state bars of Florida, New York, and the District of Columbia, as well as multiple federal courts, Darren also serves as a certified arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.

As an adjunct professor, Darren imparts his expertise through teaching Sports Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) at the University of Miami School of Law in the Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law LL.M. program. His scholarly contributions include authoring several books published by the American Bar Association, such as How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know, and numerous articles in prominent publications like Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Above the Law. His thought leadership in NIL has earned him recognition as one of the foremost experts by The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and On3, and he has been lauded as a “power player in NIL deals” by Action Network and a “top sports trademark attorney” by Sportico.

Darren’s passion for sports law led him to establish Sports Agent Blog on December 31, 2005, initially titled “I Want To Be A Sports Agent.” The platform, created as a New Year’s resolution, has grown into a cornerstone of the sports agency community, offering in-depth analysis of industry trends, legal disputes, and agent-player dynamics. His commitment to the field is further evidenced by his representation of numerous athletes and sports agents, as well as his prior role as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University Bloomington, where he developed and taught a course on Sport Agency Management from 2011 to 2014.

Darren’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the University of Florida’s 40 Under 40 Award, the University of Florida Levin College of Law’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and designation as the best lawyer in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine. He remains an active voice in the sports law community, sharing insights through his weekly NIL newsletter and his X posts, engaging a broad audience on legal developments in sports.