NFL All-Pro Chad Johnson makes Boca Raton FC debut

Chad Johnson, the high-profile NFL wide receiver known as “Ochocinco”, returned to the world of competitive athletics Sunday, taking the field with Boca Raton FC’s Florida Gulf Coast League side.

Johnson was in training with Boca Raton earlier in the week.

Johnson didn’t score or assist Boca Raton, but was in the box for Boca Raton’s lone goal in its 1-0 victory over Himmarshee FC.

Johnson, a dual-sport star out of Miami Beach Senior High School, has always had a fascination with soccer.

“[Soccer] has always been my number one passion,” Johnson told Magic City Soccer earlier this year. “Those who have followed me throughout my career understand football season was six months out of the year. The other six, I would travel to Europe to watch some of the greats play.

“It’s always been my favorite sport.”

This isn’t the first time Johnson has tried to get in a club side in his adulthood. In 2011, Johnson got a week-long tryout with Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. That time included some play in a reserves match.