Chad Johnson lays out why he is a Zach Wilson believer
Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson has been one of Zach Wilson‘s most vocal supporters throughout the New York Jets quarterback’s short professional career. From calling Wilson “f—king great” to labeling the Wilson/Elijah Moore combo as “deadly”, Johnson has praised the BYU product more exorbitantly than even some of the most optimistic Jets fans.
Johnson was recently asked by someone on Twitter why he “believe[s] in Zach so much”. The longtime Bengal answered with an explanation for his feverish support of Wilson.
He has that “IT” factor you just can’t teach, either you got it or you don’t, add some landscaping around him & the Jets are back in the fold. https://t.co/cQwVjh0SSp
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 21, 2022
“He has that ‘IT’ factor you just can’t teach,” Johnson tweeted. “[E]ither you got it or you don’t, add some landscaping around him & the Jets are back in the fold.”
The infamous “It factor” has long been one of the most commonly used scouting terms at the quarterback position. While the trait is difficult to precisely define, it is usually given to quarterbacks who display exceptional confidence and coolness both on and off the field. Some swear by its value. Others see it as a fallacy.
This past season was a big victory for those who believe in the “It factor”. The quarterback of Johnson’s Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, oozes the “It factor” trait more than any other quarterback prospect in recent memory.
Burrow took the Bengals within one touchdown of a world championship in just his second professional season, with his moxie and swagger leading the team’s success at every step of the journey.
The greatest quarterback in New York Jets history, Joe Namath, undoubtedly possessed the “It factor”.
We’ll see if Wilson can match the level of perceived coolness that Burrow and Namath have been able to attain. Off the field, Wilson certainly seems to have the confident presence that is required to earn the “It factor” label. He’s just got to back it up with on-field success.
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