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SportsNFL legend Chad Johnson claims to be distant cousin of Heung-min Son
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NFL legend Chad Johnson finally met his soccer friend Heung-min Son in person after years of social media interaction. The meeting took place at an MLS event, following Son's $26 million move from Tottenham Hotspur to MLS in 2025. Johnson, a known soccer fan, has long claimed to be related to Son. After their meeting, he posted a photo and a DNA chart on social media suggesting they are fifth-sixth cousins, with distant ancestors in Korea around the 1700s. The chart also humorously noted they share 'game day swagger.' While the claim is taken lightly, Johnson continues to promote soccer in the United States.
Source report
NFL legend Chad Johnson finally met his soccer counterpart Heung-min Son in person, following years of social media exchanges between the two athletes.
The South Korean forward has been playing in MLS since his $26 million move from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur last year.
Johnson, known for being an avid soccer fan, counts Son among his favorite players. For some time, the former wide receiver has claimed a familial connection to Son — and he has now gone to great lengths to prove it following their meeting at an MLS event.
Even before their Tuesday meeting, Johnson took to social media to refer to Son as his "cousin," despite the two being born on opposite sides of the world.
Chad Johnson Doubles Down on Being Related to Heung-min Son
- Chad Johnson was born in Miami, Florida, USA.
- Heung-min Son was born in Chuncheon-si, South Korea.
- The two cities are separated by nearly 8,000 miles.
Despite the vast geographical distance, Johnson insists there is a connection between them.
Posting an image of the two finally meeting, Johnson wrote: "Pepe x @Sonny7 (we are really cousins)."
Pepe x @Sonny7 (we are really cousins) — Chad Johnson (@ochocinco), July 28, 2026
The most intriguing element was a DNA chart Johnson shared, which claimed the two are fifth to sixth cousins. According to the chart, the pair share distant ancestors dating back to the 1700s in Korea.
However, Johnson's post should be taken with a grain of salt. Eagle-eyed fans noted that the graphic also listed "game day swagger" as a shared trait — a detail no official DNA report would include.
What cannot be denied is Johnson's passion for soccer and his ambition to help bridge the gap in the United States between fans of traditional national sports and soccer.
This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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Chad Johnson claims he is Heung-min Son's cousin after meeting MLS star