Sporting Kansas City was less than a week removed from a huge 3-2 road victory over Chivas USA in the 2011 MLS opener—the club’s inaugural match as rebranded Sporting—when an unforeseen development garnered sports news coverage from across the nation.
Chad Johnson—the longtime Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver of NFL fame who was known as “Chad Ochocinco” from 2008-2012—had arrived in Kansas City for a trial with Sporting Kansas City.
Johnson’s famous training stint with Sporting began nine years ago today, giving the then 33-year-old a truly unique opportunity and the chance to stay fit as the National Football League worked toward resolving labor unrest.