Sep 25, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Former Cincinnati Bengals player, Chad Johnson, walks on the field during warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports NFL
"I Want To Run For Governor": 6-Time NFL Pro Bowler Eyes Florida's Top Office 1
NFL legend Chad Johnson has spent much of his life around football, first as one of the NFL’s best-known receivers and later as a media personality. The former Cincinnati Bengals star has also remained connected to Florida, where he was born and raised in Miami.
Johnson has continued to build a public life away from football since his NFL career ended. He has worked in media, appeared at NFL events and recently returned to Miami-Dade County for a community gas giveaway that provided about 3,500 gallons of gasoline to local drivers.
Chad Johnson Puts Florida Politics on His Radar
Johnson raised the possibility of entering politics in a short post on X. He wrote, “I want to run for governor of Florida.”
I want to run for the governor of Florida 💭
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) September 26, 2026
The comment does not represent a formal campaign filing. Florida’s Department of State says the qualifying period for the 2026 governor’s race closed at noon on June 12.
That timing matters because Florida is already moving through its 2026 election cycle. The state held its primary election on Aug. 18, and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
NFL, Chad OchocincoNFL, Chad Ochocinco
Feb 21, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Bengals former wide receiver Chad Ochocinco Johnson (85) arrives for a Major League Soccer match featuring Real Salt Lake and Inter Miami CF at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson did not enter the current race through the normal qualifying process. His post is best described as a public expression of interest in seeking the state’s highest elected office.
Florida law also sets basic requirements for anyone running for governor. A candidate must be an elector and must have lived in Florida for the previous seven years.
NFL Legend’s Florida Ties Go Back to Childhood
Johnson was born and raised in Miami and attended Miami Beach Senior High School. His connection to the state has continued long after his playing career, giving his political comment a direct link to his personal background.
Football remains the biggest part of Johnson’s public profile. He played 11 NFL seasons and spent most of his career with Cincinnati, finishing with 11,059 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns.
NFL. Chad JohnsonNFL. Chad Johnson
Aug. 4, 2008: Chad Johnson encourages Nathan McBrayer, 4, of Columbus, to change his jersey during training camp at Toyota Stadium at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky. Nathan was with his father Mike McBrayer of Columbus. Nathan won a contest to be ball boy for a day.
Johnson has also discussed television as another possible step in his post-football career. Earlier this month, he told Local 10 that he believed he could begin working in television immediately. “I can actually start tomorrow,” Johnson said.
His latest comment adds politics to his list of possible next moves. However, Johnson has not announced a campaign team, filed election documents or provided details about when he might run.
For now, there is no formal Johnson campaign in Florida’s 2026 election records. The current election process is already underway, so a future run would likely take place in a later election cycle.
The state maintains official candidate and campaign databases for filing and qualification records. Those records would show if Johnson takes formal steps toward becoming a candidate.
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