Chad Johnson makes appearance at Bengals OTAs only to get beaten by a rookie in practice

Newton was the Bengals' fifth-round pick from this year's NFL Draft. The 23-year old is looking to solidify himself as one of the top backup cornerbacks on the depth chart.

He certainly earned some recognition for that rep against a Ring of Honor member who still boxes and stays active.

This didn't come out of nowhere. Johnson reached out to the team nearly three weeks ago to come in during offseason workouts. The invitation was clearly well received. 

Johnson has made frequent trips to Bengals practice throughout the years of his retirement. Even after Marvin Lewis was replace by Zac Taylor as head coach, the unofficial ambassador of the franchise has made a habit of popping in every now and then. 

"He's always a presence, always an entertainer. He's a fun guy to be around," Taylor said of Johnson last offseason. "He really seemingly has a great love for the Bengals and what this place is all about.

"[I] enjoy having him back around and involved with the players." 

Johnson routinely takes it upon himself to meet the Bengals' newest players and rookies year in and year out. Newton being a cornerback gave the two a chance to spar against one another. It could've went better for the team's all-time leading receiver.

"I ain't done releases in like 12 years," Johnson joked with a smile after the L he took. "He hurt my feelings. He put his hand all in my chest."

Foreshadowing for Newton's career? The Bengals certainly hope so.