NFL legend Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson reflects on history of working with MLS, EA SPORTS FC
NFL legend Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson reflects on history of working with MLS, EA SPORTS FC
This week, Touchdown Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Cincinnati Bengals legend and retired NFL wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson at the Whitney Museum in New York City during his panel appearance for eMLS CUP 2025.
In his conversation with Easton Jr., Johnson opened up about his work with MLS and dominance as a gamer playing EA SPORTS FC.
"I am actually working with MLS and getting an opportunity to work at the World Cup In Qatar for four months straight; they understood my love for the game and being able to talk about it," said Johnson. "It was the relationships I built with players over the years. I started back in 2001, so I know damn near everybody, so I had a personal connection. I was able to bridge that gap from the media. Listen, we don't have to go through that individual's assistant. I could pick up the phone and text him, but it made it easier."
Over the years, Johnson earned a reputation in the eSports community for his skills in every version of EA SPORTS FC. He loves the competition so far that he's regularly traveled to opposing gamers' houses to battle in person.
"Yeah, I still do that. I don't care, you talk s*** when I'm traveling, I will catch an Uber, come to the house, as long you got food, i still do," said Johnson, who also shot down the notion that any former or current NFL player could compete with him in the game. "No, not even close. I'm an avid gamer. People play EAFC for recreation; I play EAFC as a way of life."
Johnson appeared as a panelist during the event, which featured an elite EA SPORTS FC 25 competition with some of the world's best participants. The 2025 eMLS Cup featured a panel discussion with emerging and established athletes, high-energy music performances, and immersive art experiences. Blending these engaging elements showcased the future of sports, gaming, and digital fandom.
"The Whitney Museum has been a terrific partner," said MLS Executive Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer Sola Winley. "We did an event with them earlier in the year and they've been just a terrific partner just to be able to host us. They have Free Friday nights, It introduces a new audience to the museum, an audience that Major League Soccer is also interested in, a younger, more diverse, tech-savvy audience interested in culture. So, events like today are extremely successful for the league. I couldn't be more happy with the turnout."
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