By JAKE NISSE
Published: 18:29 EDT, 28 May 2025 | Updated: 18:32 EDT, 28 May 2025
Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson has sued agent Chris Ellison - alleging that he is owed nearly $1milllion for helping him land clients over the years.
Super Bowl XXXVII champion Johnson and Ellison reportedly went into business together 10 years ago, with the former receiver agreeing to send clients towards Ellison in exchange for a cut of the contracts they received.
However, according to a lawsuit obtained by TMZ, Johnson is alleging that Ellison did not pay him for four players who became his clients. Ellison has denied the claims in the lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles last week.
The players are listed as 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes and Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs.
According to the suit, Johnson was meant to get one percent commission on players' contracts, or one-third of Ellison's three-percent commission rate.
Lenoir signed a five-year, $88.8million extension with San Francisco last year, while Johnson also signed a four-year, $76million extension with Chicago.
Keyshawn Johnson has sued agent Chris Ellison for nearly $1million, it has been revealed
Ellison, seen with 49ers DB Deommodore Lenoir, reportedly agreed to give Johnson a cut of players' contracts
Former WR Johnson now works for Fox Sports after being laid off by ESPN in 2023
Hughes, meanwhile, signed an $18million deal with the Falcons in March, while Doubs is still playing on his four-year $4.34million rookie contract.
All told, Johnson believes he is owed $962,335 by Elllison.
Ellison runs Be The Best Sports Group, which also represents the likes of Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes and Eagles rookie receiver Giles Jackson.
In March, Ellison took to Instagram to congratulate Hughes on his new contract.
'Congratulations to my family Mike Hughes on re-signing with the Falcons,' he wrote.
'The road from New Bern to Atlanta is not as straight as they think it is. But you did it and I’m proud and blessed to be a part of your life.'
Johnson, who is best known for his time with the Jets and Buccaneers, retired from football after the 2006 season after an 11-year career.
He previously spent time as an analyst for ESPN before being laid off in 2023, leading him to his current home at Fox Sports.
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