Chad Ochocinco criticizes Stephen A. Smith's view on NASCAR drivers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 12:15 PM
Last updated Jul 17, 2026
On July 17, 2026, Chad Ochocinco participated in Ryan Blaney's 'On The Gas' series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After a high-speed ride, he responded to Stephen A. Smith's claim that NASCAR drivers are not athletes. Ochocinco argued that NASCAR's demands require significant athleticism, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of racing. He suggested Smith's perspective would change if he experienced a race firsthand.
- •Ochocinco took a ride alongside Ryan Blaney at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- •Smith's comments about NASCAR drivers being non-athletes were challenged by Ochocinco.
- •Ochocinco emphasized the danger involved in NASCAR racing.
- •The discussion was part of Blaney's new celebrity ride series.
- 12:15 PMYahoo Sports — Chad Ochocinco pushes back on Stephen A. Smith claim that NASCAR drivers aren't athletes
- 12:15 PMMotorsport.com — Chad Ochocinco pushes back on Stephen A. Smith claim that NASCAR drivers aren't athletes
"As part of Ryan Blaney's new 'On The Gas' series where he takes various celebrities for a high speed ride around the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson joined him for the latest episode. Ochocinco was an NFL wide receiver for eleven seasons, and a 6x Pro Bowler. To this day, he remains the All-time Receiving Leader for the Cincinnati Bengals. After getting a ...Keep reading
"Ryan Blaney took Ochocinco for a high-speed ride around Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the former NFL star had plenty to say about his experience
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 17, 2026, 12:15 PMChad Ochocinco pushes back on Stephen A. Smith claim that NASCAR drivers aren't athletes
Ryan Blaney took Ochocinco for a high-speed ride around Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the former NFL star had plenty to say about his experience
- Motorsport.comJul 17, 2026, 12:15 PMChad Ochocinco pushes back on Stephen A. Smith claim that NASCAR drivers aren't athletes
As part of Ryan Blaney's new 'On The Gas' series where he takes various celebrities for a high speed ride around the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson joined him for the latest episode. Ochocinco was an NFL wide receiver for eleven seasons, and a 6x Pro Bowler. To this day, he remains the All-time Receiving Leader for the Cincinnati Bengals. After getting a ...Keep reading
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