During Super Bowl week, current and former players assist businesses promote their products on radio stations and
podcasts. “It is a phenomenal quid pro quo,” one host commented.
Chad Johnson stated that the winning coach of the Super Bowl would be showered with crimson Gatorade. He
projected that wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who had not appeared in the Chiefs’ three playoff games, would score
the first touchdown.
And, midway through his section of a digital presentation inside a Las Vegas hotel convention center, Johnson, also
known as Ochocinco, declared that if the Chiefs lost to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, he would divorce his wife
and abstain from sex for the rest of the year.
“That’s a lot you’re putting on this,” said Michael Bolling, host of the sports website Bleacher Report.
“That’s how confident I am,” said Johnson, who was attending as a guest.
Johnson was one of the league’s most outspoken personalities during his 11 NFL seasons, predominantly with the
Cincinnati Bengals, and is noted for his innovative touchdown celebrations as well as obtaining the nickname
Ochocinco after his No. 85 jersey. That is an especially important commodity on Radio Row, which serves as the
major platform for businesses to promote their products at one of the year’s largest entertainment events.
More than 100 radio personalities, broadcast firms, and other venues host segments, the majority of which feature
current or retired NFL players who are paid by corporations to promote items during the week leading up to the
game.
“You have everyone here—it’s one center location,” said Doug Sanders, Johnson’s marketing representative for the
last seven years. “Everyone’s here around this game and excited for it, but also excited for the players, and you’re
able to capitalize and gain visibility for whatever they’re trying to promote.”
