During the peak of Chad Johnson’s NFL career, Glenn Beck was a leading figure in conservative media, presenting an unusual connection between two individuals from vastly different backgrounds. Johnson has a notable tendency to mention Beck, recently referring to him as “Goddamn Glenn Beck.” Back in 2011, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration for Beck’s book, “Broke,” labeling its perspective on political and economic matters as “epic.” This preference stands out given Beck’s controversial assertions, including his claim that President Barack Obama harbors a “deep-seated hatred for white people,” and labeling him a “racist.”
Does anyone know if Glenn Beck has a twitter account? Starting on his new book #BROKE. His views on political and economic issues are #EPIC.
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) July 23, 2011
This intriguing detail may not have crossed Johnson’s mind back then, but it adds context to the author of “Broke” and the media empire he created with Blaze Media. Recently, Johnson referenced Beck again in the context of Aaron Rodgers. While this may sound like a stretch, there is a link to be made. During his Nightcap show with Shannon Sharpe, Johnson dissected the New York Jets’ strategy regarding Rodgers, who has frequently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show for nearly five years. Reports indicate that the Jets wanted Rodgers to embrace a team-oriented approach instead of maintaining his celebrity image, which involved reducing his show appearances.
Despite no apparent objections from his teammates, Rodgers’ media presence and the remarks he made posed distractions during a lackluster season where he went 6-12 with the Jets. This is the same player who had previously insisted that the organization needed to eliminate all “bullsh*t” unrelated to football if they were to succeed. Yet, during that time, he was also disseminating conspiracy theories related to FEMA and making alarming claims about Jimmy Kimmel.
If the Jets had demonstrated any signs of being a competent organization, perhaps it wouldn’t have been an issue, but that was not the case. Johnson remarked, “Now, listen, if The Pat McAfee Show was conducive to the Jets — helping them win in any way, then it wouldn’t be viewed negatively. If you were performing like the Aaron Rodgers of the past, you could discuss anything with Glenn Beck, Fox, or CNN. If you were productive on Sundays, it wouldn’t matter who you talked to.” Johnson asserted that, ideally, the 41-year-old Rodgers could’ve spent his days at the Playboy Mansion without concern.
However, he concluded, “It just wasn’t right. You’re losing and underperforming on the field while causing chaos and controversy off the field. When your performance is lacking, stirring up off-field distractions will inevitably draw scrutiny.” Ultimately, Johnson didn’t care whom Rodgers interacted with — whether it was Glenn Beck, Playboy models, or anyone else. But when someone courts controversy while struggling in their profession, even Ochocinco will call them out.
