One of the most explosive running backs in NFL history will be looking to help Arizonans score touchdowns in the sports betting market.
BetMGM announced it has brought on former Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson as its newest brand ambassador. For his part, the man known as “CJ2K” will look to enhance BetMGM’s presence in Arizona.
“I’m excited to join the BetMGM team and to have a new platform to engage with CJ2K fans around the country,” Johnson said in a press release. “BetMGM is at the forefront of the excitement surrounding sports betting and is a perfect fit for me to get involved in this rapidly growing industry.”
Johnson will be a part of BetMGM’s upcoming marketing campaigns, promotions, social media content and fan events.
Potential impact “CJ2K” can have on Arizona sports betting market
The Arizona Department of Gaming plans to release the state’s first sports betting revenue figures in late November. It’s unclear where BetMGM Arizona will fall when it comes to which AZ betting apps are generating the most money for the state.
The Grand Canyon State collected just under $1,600 in tax revenue during the first four days of Arizona daily fantasy sports contests after they launched in August. The state’s data showed that DraftKings and FanDuel led the way in terms of collecting fees during that small sample size.
BetMGM does not operate DFS in Arizona. But the numbers show that DraftKings and FanDuel should be near the top in Arizona’s sports betting market.
Adding a former NFL All-Pro like Chris Johnson will only help build on BetMGM’s popularity in the Grand Canyon State. In fact, Matt Prevost, chief revenue officer for BetMGM, said as much in a press release.
“Throughout his career, Chris Johnson thrilled fans with his performance on the football field, week in and week out. As we continue to expand BetMGM’s presence in Arizona and Tennessee, Chris will play a key role in helping us provide new and engaging experiences for our customers.”
Remembering explosive NFL career of Chris Johnson
Over the course of 10 NFL seasons, Johnson was one of the league’s most prolific players.
He earned the nickname “CJ2K” in 2009 when he rushed for 2,006 yards for the Tennesse Titans, making him one of eight players in league history to go over 2,000 rushing yards in a single season.
Johnson spent six seasons in Tennessee before signing with the New York Jets in 2014. After one year in the Big Apple, Johnson finished out his career playing for the Arizona Cardinals for three seasons.
His tenure with the Cardinals was not as splashy as his prime years in Tennessee. However, his 2015 season with the Cards had a number of highlights, including a 110-yard, two-touchdown performance against the San Francisco 49ers. He finished that year with 814 rushing yards and three touchdowns and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
Chris Johnson joins long list of former athletes getting into sports betting
Several former pro athletes are establishing themselves in the sports betting world. And Chris Johnson is not the only one with ties to Arizona.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley became a FanDuel Sportsbook brand ambassador and spokesperson in December 2020. Most remember Barkley led the Phoenix Suns to an NBA Finals appearance back in 1993. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player that season. The team that beat Phoenix, the Chicago Bulls, featured a player you may know named Michael Jordan. Jordan also happens to be a special advisor and board member at DraftKings Sportsbook.
WynnBET Sportsbook teamed up with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who had a brief stint with the Suns in 2008-2009. The former MVP was on the tail end of his career but helped the Suns reach the playoffs in 2008.
As for BetMGM, “CJ2K” will join the operator’s team of former franchise players that includes Wayne Gretzky, Barry Sanders, Marshawn Lynch, and Kevin Garnett.
