MINNEAPOLIS – There’s some drama heating up in the world of NFL wide receivers as legendary Vikings star Cris Carter finds himself at odds with former players Chad Johnson and Asante Samuel. The situation began earlier this year when Johnson, now 47, made bold claims on a podcast, asserting that he could defeat current Jaguars cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter in 10 straight one-on-one reps. This assertion drew the ire of Carter, who openly questioned Johnson’s NFL career and called him overrated.
The tension escalated further when Samuel, a former All-Pro cornerback, stepped into the conversation during a podcast, stating that Carter was stepping out of line. He went so far as to label him one of the most overrated wide receivers in NFL history. “I think Cris Carter was great during his time. He was a heck of a route runner and had some of the best hands in football… but he is really beside himself coming for Chad Johnson,” Samuel commented. “Cris Carter is one of the most overrated [wide receivers] to ever come in the NFL, or into the Hall of Fame.”
Carter himself had a stellar career, with 1,101 career receptions ranking sixth all-time, and his 13,899 receiving yards placing him 13th overall. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, making Samuel’s comments seem a bit extreme to many fans. Samuel emphasized that his style of play made him unique, arguing that Carter was primarily a possession receiver whose quick catches did not instill much fear in opposing defenses. “As a cornerback, what do I have to worry about, covering a guy like Cris Carter?” Samuel asked, underscoring his viewpoint.
This unexpected feud has sparked debates among fans about whether Carter or Johnson had a better career, although that comparison seems unfair given their different playing styles. Ultimately, each player made significant contributions to the NFL, but only Carter resides in the Hall of Fame for now. Regardless, the banter between these three players continues to capture the attention of football enthusiasts everywhere.
