ESPN has experimented with having a former NFL star appear on First Take – and fans have given their stamp of approval.

Shannon Sharpe has been away from the First Take since early July.

Shannon Sharpe has been on a break from First Take since early last month
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Shannon Sharpe has been on a break from First Take since early last monthCredit: Nightcap

Former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson has appeared on First Take this week - and fans are loving his showings
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Former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson has appeared on First Take this week – and fans are loving his showingsCredit: First Take
The NFL Hall of Famer has gone on vacation alongside Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim.

However, Qerim is back at work, while Smith will return on Friday.

So ESPN has been working numerous personalities, including retired NFL wide receiver star Chad Johnson, in Sharpe’s place.

A six-time Pro Bowler, Johnson was also known for his bold personality during his time in the NFL.

How bold? In 2008, Johnson, whose jersey number was “85”, legally changed his name to Chad Ochocinco, which is “eight five” combined in Spanish, before changing back to his original name in 2012.

He and Sharpe are also co-hosts of the popular Nightcap podcast.

Johnson has appeared remotely on First Take throughout the week and has discussed numerous topics.

One of the topics concerned Miami Dolphins star wideout Tyreek Hill, whom Johnson says is “in a class of his own” and “a talent that we haven’t seen before.”

First Take fans have applauded Johnson’s efforts on the sports debate program, and want him to appear regularly moving forward.

“Ocho was good today. Sign him @espn,” one wrote.

‘I want Skip to succeed’ insists Shannon Sharpe in classy message to former Undisputed co-star who is set to leave show
“They then had @ochocinco on @FirstTake about all week @espn go ahead and give him that contract,” another commented.

“Oh, I see @ochocinco out here representing the people on @FirstTake with the @NightcapShow_ sign behind him. I need more of this,” a third stated.

“Please make @ochocinco a permanent staple on @FirstTake !!!! He is killing it!” a fourth added.

Sharpe joined First Take last September after a seven-year stint with FS1’s Undisputed came to an end.

It's not clear if the retired six-time Pro Bowl wideout Johnson will have a role with First Take moving forward
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It’s not clear if the retired six-time Pro Bowl wideout Johnson will have a role with First Take moving forwardCredit: First Take
He has been a fan-favorite on the ESPN show which has seen a rise in ratings.

Sharpe recently signed a long-term extension with the network.

ESPN will continue to utilize him across the network with his new contract, having him make appearances on shows other than First Take.

It’s not clear when Sharpe will return to First Take.

And it’s unclear if Johnson will have a continued role on the program.

First Take begins each weekday from 10 am Eastern to noon on ESPN.