One former NFL player has a warning for the Washington Commanders: you’d better be careful about signing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh played 11 NFL seasons, most notably with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2001-08. During that time, Houshmandzadeh played opposite Chad Johnson aka Chad Ochocinco. Houshmandzadeh and Johnson were one of the NFL’s top wide receiver duos during that time, with Houshmandzadeh often being the quiet one, while Johnson received all the headlines.
Since retiring, Houshmandzadeh has worked as an NFL analyst and a private coach for receivers. One of the many players that Houshmandzadeh has coached is Aiyuk. However, the two haven’t spoken for a while, specifically since Aiyuk has been at odds with the San Francisco 49ers.
In recent weeks, Aiyuk has made numerous statements criticizing the 49ers as he seeks his release to play for his preferred team, the Commanders. His behavior has drawn criticism from around the NFL, specifically from former players. Houshmandzadeh has spoken on Aiyuk’s situation before, but in a recent appearance on the “Speakeasy” podcast, he did not hold back.
“He might not step foot in an NFL stadium again if he don’t shut the f— up. Like what is he doing?” Houshmandzadeh said, referring to Aiyuk’s recent comments about 49ers GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Then, Houshmandzadeh offered a warning to Washington GM Adam Peters and the Commanders.
“Adam Peters, you sign Brandon Aiyuk, the Commanders should fire you the day you sign him.”
Houshmandzadeh then repeats himself, speaking to Peters.
“Adam Peters, you sign Brandon Aiyuk, the Commanders should fire you the day you sign him. Like, what are you thinking? What makes y’all any different than the San Francisco 49ers? You don’t think he’s going to do to you what he’s doing to them? I don’t understand this. If I’m Jayden Daniels, BA is my boy, if it doesn’t work out, is he still going to be my boy? So, do I even want to see if it it will work out? Because I may ruin a relationship over sports.”
Houshmandzadeh’s perspective is unique. He’s a former player, and he’s had a relationship with Aiyuk. He’s not necessarily taking sides here; he’s speaking the truth. What he said about Daniels is true. At this point, shouldn’t Daniels even be a bit concerned? Not only could his relationship with Aiyuk turn sour if things do not work out, but it could also damage his relationship with the Commanders. Is that a risk he wants to take?
That’s not saying any of these things will happen, but considering what we’ve seen over the past few weeks, you can’t rule anything out.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Former NFL star has warning for Commanders about Brandon Aiyuk
