Chad Johnson had a long, productive career in the NFL. He may have a shot at reaching the Hall of Fame one day. A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, he was one of the two or three best receivers in football during the mid-2000s. Of course, outrunning his diva reputation from those years will be a challenge. Even so, the much more mature Johnson has done what he can to help young players find their way in the NFL.
The Chicago Bears know this well. He gave eventual 4th round pick Riley Ridley plenty of tips prior to the 2019 NFL draft. Now it appears Ocho Cinco is trying to do the same for their new quarterback. Justin Fields tweeted his first photo in a Bears jersey on Thursday. It held a simple caption: Year 1. Johnson saw this and decided to reply. Not with a snarky comment but merely a word of advice for when the time comes for him to start.
Don’t overthink it. Just throw to Allen Robinson.
Justin I’m always open but since I’m busy Allen Robinson is as well, no matter what the play call is you can always change it at the los & throw to him to make year 1 easy https://t.co/yWyqkiUKIf
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 25, 2021
History shows that Johnson knows what he’s talking about. One of the best things a young quarterback can have in their careers is a go-to wide receiver. It allows them to settle in and not get swamped by details. If they’re not sure what to do in a given situation? Just throw it to the big guy. Brett Favre had Sterling Sharpe. Peyton Manning had Marvin Harrison. Carson Palmer had Johnson. Cam Newton had Steve Smith. Matthew Stafford had Calvin Johnson.
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The fact Fields has a legit stud like Robinson could prove to be quite a blessing. Despite his faults, Mitch Trubisky understood this reality. He often looked for A-Rob in key situations, even sometimes overlooking a more open option. This because he knew the receiver could make the play even when he was covered.
Chad Johnson better hope the Bears don’t screw this up
Fields and Robinson have a chance to form a strong combination for years to come. The latter is still just 27-years old. If he stays healthy, he can maintain peak production for at least another five years. That would be most beneficial for the young quarterback during the most vital part of his developmental cycle. However, the possibility remains that the Bears could ruin the relationship before it barely begins.
This due to their ongoing standoff with Robinson on a new contract. While he is officially signed under the franchise tag, the hopes for an extension remain elusive. Less than three weeks remain until the deadline for the two sides to get something done expires. Then the Bears risk losing him to free agency in 2022.
Not an ideal scenario to contemplate.
Chad Johnson probably has simple advice for that too. Don’t be stupid. Pay the man. Fields to Robinson has a chance to be the connection of the future for this Bears offense. It’s not like they have somebody ready to fill that void if the veteran receiver leaves. With all due respect to Darnell Mooney who still has lots to prove. Johnson is not wrong. Fields has a go-to target. Use him.
