Cincinnati Bengals legend Chad Johnson was known as one of the best trash-talkers in the NFL during his time, so it’s pretty notable when he highlights another contemporary as (at least) a near-equal in that area.
Johnson did just that on social media recently, spotlighting former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot.
Smoot had one of the biggest contracts for a cornerback of his era when he joined the Vikings in the mid-2000s and was well-known for this area of his game.
Back before they matched up in 2005, ESPN chronicled where this rivalry started:
This rivalry dates to the 2001 Senior Bowl, when Johnson (Oregon
State) suited up for the North team and Smoot (Mississippi State)
lined up across from him. Smoot proudly pointed out he was named
Defensive MVP for the South squad in that game.
In that game in 2005? Johnson caught seven passes for 139 yards and a touchdown in a 37-8 Bengals win.
The tweet:
https://t.co/B6jiycBu3J pic.twitter.com/onkjmlKvax
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 13, 2023
