Chad Johnson and James Harrison, both former NFL stars, are planning to meet in an exhibition MMA fight before Super Bowl LIX, with the details still being finalized.
Chad Johnson and James Harrison have some rather unique plans for the Super Bowl. The former NFL stars are buzzing on social media about an exhibition fight. MMA rules, of course. This showdown is expected to happen before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9.
Johnson, the flamboyant wide receiver known for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, was the first to drop the bombshell. He teased the bout with a tweet last Wednesday. “I’m fighting James Harrison in an exhibition MMA format 3 round bout in New Orleans before Super Bowl, I’m so excited,” he tweeted.
Instead of dismissing the chatter, Harrison seemed to confirm it. He replied in a quote tweet, correcting Johnson, “It’s five rounds, [Johnson.]” And just like that, a playful back-and-forth ensued between the two retired athletes.
Johnson predicted a first-round finish, while Harrison shot back saying Johnson wouldn’t be standing by the end of it. Bold claims! Johnson boasted about his MMA prowess, claiming he’d submit Harrison with a guillotine choke using a mix of grappling techniques. A bit ambitious?
Harrison, once an NFL Defensive Player of the Year, might have a size advantage though. So there’s that. If this fight happens, it’ll be Johnson’s second dip into combat sports. He fought in an exhibition boxing match against Brian Maxwell on June 6, 2021.
Despite being knocked down towards the end of that four-round bout, he held his own for most part. No official winner was declared since it was an exhibition match. Meanwhile, Harrison was a powerhouse linebacker during his 15-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He was instrumental in their Super Bowl victories in 2006 and 2009 and got inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Honor in 2023. As for Johnson vs. Harrison? No date yet. They’re still figuring out the details it seems.
In other news, Maxx Crosby from Las Vegas Raiders is also thinking about stepping into the MMA ring. The 27-year-old UFC fan shared his thoughts with TMZ. “All my guys… expect me to do it,” Crosby said. “I love fighting… I box damn near every single day.”
“If my heart desires it… I might,” he added. “You live one life… do everything you put your heart to.” Now that’s some food for thought!