Professional football players have worked with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in various ways, such as coaching, fundraising, participating in events or camps, or mentoring student-athletes. Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, known as Ocho Cinco, has accepted an ambassador and consultant position for the Florida A&M University Athletics Department in Florida.
According to the FAMU athletic director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, Johnson will participate in special projects to support and advance FAMU Athletics. “Anyone familiar with Chad knows that he has always been a great ambassador for FAMU,” said Sykes in an interview with “HBCU Gameday.” “It’s time to make it official. I am happy that we could agree to formalize his role with the university.”
Ocho Cinco, a Florida native, took to Twitter to announce his new role at FAMU. His caption read “Officially a Rattler for life,” followed by several other tweets showing him working out in FAMU gear and showing off his collection of FAMU attire at home.
Swole Rattler 🐍 pic.twitter.com/8RIqlXaR0c
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) March 10, 2023
Johnson went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL and has been named a six-time NFL Pro Bowler and four-time NFL All-Pro. Johnson is currently the Bengals franchise leader. Throughout the years, his love for FAMU has been shown through attending football games and events, and publicly supporting Florida A&M on social media.
