The long-awaited 2025 NFL season finally kicked off, and Week 1 delivered thrilling games that left fans excited and convinced the wait was worth it. From the opening whistle, the level of play was high, setting the tone for what promises to be another memorable year in professional football.
Aaron Rodgers’ strong performance with the Pittsburgh Steelers against his former team, the New York Jets, generated major buzz. Rodgers capitalized on a costly mistake by Xavier Gipson, who fumbled a kickoff late in the game, allowing the Steelers to snatch victory dramatically. Meanwhile, the Sunday night showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills turned into an instant classic, keeping viewers glued to their seats until the final seconds. Those who left early likely regretted it, as Josh Allen engineered a remarkable comeback, giving the Bills an epic win that had their fans celebrating late into the night.
A bittersweet start for some players
While the season opener was electric and showcased the league’s competitive spirit, not everything was positive. For some players, Week 1 brought frustration, as injuries clouded the excitement, sidelining them for several weeks despite their teams winning.
For the San Francisco 49ers, the year began on a high note with a divisional victory over the Seattle Seahawks. However, their star tight end, George Kittle, suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out of action for at least four games.
On Tuesday, the team officially announced Kittle’s status, confirming he would be sidelined for about a month. The news sparked widespread reaction across social media, with many fans expressing concern and disappointment. Among those who weighed in was former wide receiver Chad Johnson, also known as Chad Ochocinco, who took to X to share an unconventional idea.
Chad Johnson’s unusual proposal to the league
After seeing Kittle go down, Johnson suggested that the NFL should consider hiring him as a team nutritionist , a proposal that raised eyebrows given his well-known love for McDonald’s.
Dear @NFL please hire me as a team nutritionist i can prevent this soft tissue injuries .
Johnson wrote.
Johnson has long been vocal about his fondness for fast food. In a 2023 interview with GQ Sports, he revealed that growing up, McDonald’s was a staple in his diet and claimed it helped him stay healthy and durable throughout his NFL career.
Burgers were 50 cents. Fries were 20 cents. Therefore, it was all we could afford when I was a kid. You know what happened when I was little, too, when I ate McDonald’s? I never got hurt. You know what else I did as a kid when I ate McDonald’s? I dominated everything that I did, even in kindergarten.
Johnson said.
While it’s highly unlikely the league will take his offer seriously, Johnson’s comment added humor to an otherwise serious situation.
For now, Kittle’s absence leaves a significant void for the 49ers. Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges will step in as replacements, though neither has Kittle’s skill set or explosiveness. The team hopes Kittle can return by Week 5, when San Francisco faces the Los Angeles Rams in a pivotal Thursday night divisional matchup.
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