In the 2001 draft, former Philadelphia Eagles President Joe Banner chose UCLA standout receiver Freddie Mitchell with the 25th overall pick. This decision was made over several other notable receivers, including Chad Johnson (soon-to-be and now formerly Ochocinco), who the Cincinnati Bengals later selected with the 36th overall pick.
It's not a stretch to say that both the Eagles and Johnson might have wished things had played out differently.
While attending Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith's celebrity softball game on Saturday, Johnson expressed a distinctive rationale for why he regrets not being in Philadelphia during his career.
"I don't know how to explain it," Johnson said. "I like how they call people (expletive) and (expletive). There is no fanbase like this. They (expletive) beat up Santa. Who does that? I fell in love with the city, hearing the stories in the couple of months training with Boots. I wish I would have been able to play here."
Mitchell struggled to establish himself with the Eagles, accumulating only 1,263 yards and five touchdowns in four seasons before being released by the team. Unfortunately, he never had the chance to play another snap in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Johnson solidified himself as one of the most talented receivers in NFL history, boasting an impressive career tally of 766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdown catches. Johnson's exceptional performances earned him three consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections from 2004 to 2006 and a Second-Team All-Pro nomination in 2003. Additionally, he was honored with six Pro Bowl selections, spanning from 2003 to 2007 and then again in 2009.
The potential connection between quarterback Donovan McNabb and Johnson during the early 2000s, under the guidance of former Eagles coach Andy Reid and his innovative offensive scheme, would undoubtedly have been an exhilarating prospect for fans.
More must-reads: