Overview
- Paul told Front Office Sports he could play slot receiver and said “a couple” of teams and coaches had contacted him, a claim that has not been corroborated by any NFL franchise.
- After former safety Ryan Clark criticized the idea on The Pivot podcast, Paul posted on X that he would pay $1 million to any NFL player who could “box me better than I run routes against you,” a message he published over the weekend that quickly went viral.
- Several current and former NFL figures reacted on social media with some signaling interest, including Asante Samuel’s reply “Bet” and Chad Johnson’s engagement, while UFC heavyweight and ex-practice-squad signee Josh Hokit publicly accepted and traded barbs with Paul.
- No formal bout, football trial, rules, date, or organizer has been announced and experts pointed to clear obstacles to an NFL transition such as Paul’s age, lack of organized football since high school, and recent injuries including a broken jaw.
- Paul’s 12-2 pro boxing record and his role running the Most Valuable Promotions business frame the episode as a likely promotional maneuver, and the next signs to watch are any verified team contact, a promoter-led match contract, or clarified rules for a cross-sport contest.