Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson has always taken pride in being both entertaining and competitive. While he has always leaned into the fun, his recent challenge to TikToker Ashton Hall demonstrated that the former NFL wide receiver still has that competitive spark 14 years after retiring.
Chad Johnson’s Bold Challenge to Ashton Hall
With 6.3 million followers on TikTok and 15 million on Instagram, Hall has become a social media star thanks to his viral “morning routine” videos. As a fitness influencer and coach, Hall’s offbeat routine — which starts at 3:52 a.m. and includes things like mouth taping, ice facials, and rubbing banana peels on his face — has drawn plenty of attention.
Hall also played running back at Alcorn State University. His “evening routine” video, in which he did strength training, received a recovery massage, and attended a few dinner events, caught Johnson’s attention.
It caught his attention so much that “Ochocinco” challenged Hall directly: “I want to race, dude.”
I want to race dude https://t.co/D3jUAKSsFh
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) April 20, 2025
Speed was always Johnson’s calling card during his six-time Pro Bowl career. At the 2001 NFL Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds. While not blazing for a wideout, Johnson later said nerves affected his time. His 10-yard split was 1.56 seconds, and his 20-yard split came in at 2.65, showing solid burst and acceleration.
Even in his playing days, his mix of speed and elite route running made him a serious deep threat. His quick cuts helped him create separation on both short and long routes. Johnson led the NFL in receiving yards in 2006 and finished his career with 766 catches, 11,059 yards, and 67 touchdowns.
Johnson was twice named an AP First-Team All-Pro, in 2005 and 2006. He was also selected to six Pro Bowl teams and once went six consecutive seasons with at least 65 catches, 1,100 yards and five touchdowns.
Hall, for his part, takes training seriously. He has videos showing himself running over 20 mph, and other influencers have posted footage of him running charity marathons with former NFL players.
While Johnson’s NFL background is a significant advantage, Hall’s daily discipline and rigorous training make him a formidable opponent. A potential race between a six-time Pro Bowler and an internet fitness star could easily go viral and rack up huge views online.
Whether it happens or not, the idea of Johnson racing Hall has fans buzzing. It’s old-school NFL fire meeting new-school internet hustle — and that clash is what makes it fun. One thing’s clear: both guys are built to compete, and neither is backing down from the challenge.