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Chad's antics can be stopped at Canton's doorstep
Monday, January 14, 2008
Like most aficionados of pro football, I'll remember Chad Johnson for his touchdown celebrations.
His performing CPR on the football. His using the pylon to putt the football. His genuflection in a mock marriage proposal to a Ben-Gal cheerleader.
Extras
His surprisingly solid rendition of Michael Flatley's Riverdance. His pulling a placard out of a snow bank: "Dear NFL: Please don't fine me again. Merry Christmas." His grabbing a jacket that resembles the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees' wardrobe and draping it around his shoulder pads: "Future H.O.F. 20??"
And the bottles of Pepto-Bismol he sent to the Browns DBs, which he followed up with a Pepto-Abysmal performance in Cleveland.
Chad, the Entertainer. That'll be his legacy. The celebrations, fines, blond Mohawk, gilded grill, earrings, necklaces, trash talk ... and No. 1 ranking on Fox Sports' list of top 10 showboats in professional sports.
Sadly, what we won't remember is Johnson's enormous talent as a wideout. His Gumby-like moves on skinny posts and comeback routes. His ballerina-like toes along the sidelines. His ability to beat man coverage.
Johnson is the only player in NFL history to win four straight conference receiving yards crowns. And the only thing the Bengals have to show for it is one measly AFC North Division title and a quick playoff exit.
His life is detailed in a book — "Chad: I Can't Be Stopped."
Oh, yes he can — at Canton's door.
Nobody dances into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Not even Cincinnati's "Godfather of Sole."
