Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, who spent 10 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before one with the New England Patriots, joined ESPN's First Take this week with Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman, and Molly Qerim.

Johnson, who has been friends with and worked out with Antonio Brown for years, was asked about the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro receiver.


Brown has made it clear that he would like a change of scenery and regularly hints (not so subtlely) that his location of choice would be the San Francisco 49ers. So, of course, Johnson was asked by Qerim where he would like to see Brown end up.

"As a friend, the 49ers," Johnson responded.

Smith, who has been vocal that San Francisco doesn't make a whole lot of sense because he doesn't feel the team is close to success, didn't like that answer.

Johnson defended his response by indicating that Jimmy Garoppolo will emerge as a top quarterback. He was asked if Garoppolo is the "real deal."

Johnson responded, "Is he the real deal? Why do you think he's not in New England? Think about it. Why is Garoppolo not in New England?"


While Smith acknowledged that Garoppolo can play, he interrupted Johnson while calling the 49ers quarterback "porn-star Jimmy."

"He can play? No, he can ball," Johnson continued.

The former NFL receiver went on to explain that he believes Tom Brady, who has no plans to retire anytime soon, wanted Garoppolo out of New England.

"That's something over your shoulder that you don't want, Johnson added. "Not that type of talent. That's a lot of pressure."

You can watch the exchange below.




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