“I Just Wanna Talk Football”: Former Dolphins WR Chad Johnson Extends Helping Hand to New Miami QB Zach Wilson

Zach Wilson’s NFL career has so far failed to live up to the hype. The New York Jets had selected him second overall in the 2021 Draft. In the four years since, it’s been a struggle, marked by poor performances and injuries. And his brief stint with the Denver Broncos last year was equally forgettable. Now, with a fresh start in Miami, Wilson might finally get the reset he desperately needs.

This week, Wilson agreed to join the Dolphins as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup on a one-year, $6 million deal. The move came as a surprise to the Miami loyals, who were hoping for a more solid solution in the QB room. But not Chad Johnson.

The former Dolphins receiver is actually rolling out the red carpet for Wilson. Johnson is a huge fan of the QB. A month ago, he boldly claimed that Wilson was a better quarterback than Aaron Rodgers at the Jets. This is despite Wilson scoring just 23 passing TDs during his three-year Jets tenure. That’s five less than what Rodgers scored last season.

In the latest episode of Nightcap, Johnson, who spent the final season of his NFL career in The 305, said he’s ready to be Wilson’s unofficial tour guide in Miami.

“I know you’re gonna see this baby, I love you. I’m glad to have you in the city,” Johnson said, addressing Wilson. “I’m here if you need someone to show you around. I’m the perfect tour guide.”

Though most associate Ocho with the Cincinnati Bengals — and rightly so — the Nightcap co-host is a Miami resident. So, it’s no surprise to see the three-time All-Pro take the initiative to show Wilson around his city the right way. And by “right way”, he means an introductory trip to Tootsie’s, one of Miami’s most infamous nightlife spots.

“We gotta hit Tootsie’s, Zach,” Johnson insisted. “I’m sure you’re probably married, you have a wife, but it’s okay. I just wanna talk football.”

Going to a nightclub like Tootsie’s may not be in the Dolphins’ playbook, even if it is for talking football. But for those who have followed Johnson over the years, this is right up his alley.

Hilariously enough, Johnson sees no issue with holding a football-related meeting at a nightclub because, in his eyes, Tootsie’s has everything a young quarterback like Wilson needs — chicken wings, seafood, and just the right atmosphere for some “peripheral vision” training.

“I just want to talk football…They got chicken wings, seafood, rice, and they got chocolate cake. We can use our peripheral vision to make sure we focus. But still see what’s around us. You hear me? You gotta be aware what’s around us… so Zach [hit me up], my number is still the same,” added Johnson.

 

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Whether he takes Johnson up on his offer remains to be seen. What’s certain is that Wilson’s arrival in Miami gives him yet another chance to rewrite his NFL story, this time under the guidance of Mike McDaniel. He will also be playing behind one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.

Miami’s quarterback situation just got a little more intriguing, given the uncertainty surrounding Tagovailoa. The decision to sign Wilson on a year-long deal stemmed from Miami’s QB1 missing six games last season after he suffered his third diagnosed concussion in two years.

The Dolphins cycled through backup quarterbacks at a rapid pace — Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle, and Tyler Huntley all took snaps last year. It was clear that Miami needed a dependable QB2.

Wilson, while inconsistent, brings more starting experience and pedigree than any of Miami’s previous backups.