Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson became property of the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday after signing a two-year deal with the CFL team.
The move made headlines across both leagues, but Alouettes general manager Jim Popp insists it was neither a publicity stunt, nor an attempt by the six-time Pro Bowler at an NFL comeback.
"He said it wasn't about getting back to the NFL," Popp told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Friday. "He wanted to be part of a team again."
Added Popp: "Signing Chad is not a publicity stunt. We are a winning organization and want to win."
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed to be in line with the standard deal given to veteran CFL players.
Johnson, formerly Ochocinco, is awaiting a work order to play in Canada, and Popp estimates the team should hear back on his status by May 1, though it could take longer.
When - and if - the 36-year-old is deemed eligible, he will attend the Alouettes first-year camp in late May followed by the team's full training camp, which gets underway June 1.
