In 2020, TikTok took off in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic. It was an outlet for creators and for the general public to feel like they were connected to the outside world while confined to their homes. It was also a big year for New Orleans Saints player Juwan Johnson and his wife Chanen Johnson. Not only did the two marry, but they used TikTok as a way to connect with their new city and community. The two college sweethearts embraced the social media app, among much backlash to create a persona outside the NFL. The two athletes (Chanen is a college gymnast) are not only embarking on a new NFL contract, but are welcoming their first child while navigating life outside a global pandemic. We talk to the two about navigating a new city, signing a big contract and setting down roots in the Big Easy.
Q: How did you become “Ju and Chan”? Chan: We were in a mutual Bible study. So we knew of each other. We did not know each other at all. We also were athletes; like every athlete knows every athlete. That’s just kind of a thing. We added each other on Instagram. We added each other on Snapchat, but never communicated.
Ju: We met [in person] at a mutual friend’s birthday party. It was summer school. This is the first time she’s been in summer courses ever in her college career. And I felt like this would be my only chance to really talk to her. So, I did, with a little liquid courage.
Q: And who, would you say, is the better athlete? Ju: I’ve never tried gymnastics, but I would say I’m a better flipper.
Chan: That’s so disrespectful. You’re not a better flipper, that’s like me saying I’m better at catching balls.
Ju: There are different aspects to gymnastics, but I will say that she is. She is a better athlete.
Chan: I would like to claim this. When anyone, in general, tries gymnastics, they can’t do it. If I tried football right now, I could do it. I might not be good at it, but I could go through the steps.
Q: How have you been adjusting to New Orleans? Ju: We love New Orleans. New Orleans is great. We just purchased a home here, so we’re already setting down roots. We have a daughter on the way, and she’ll be well accustomed to New Orleans. New Jersey, where I’m from, is very different in terms of food and people, and Chan being from California is very different, slower paced than New Orleans. But New Orleans has been great to us. The people are great, they love the city and they love Saints football.
Chan: It’s so wild. But with the way football is, I feel like this is the most secure we’ve ever felt. Because we’ve never really had one of those multi-year contracts before. And so knowing that, we’re like, “Alright, this is home.” We feel good. We’re sticking around. We’re happy to set roots here. And we’re obsessed with the city. We’re glad we didn’t have to go anywhere else.
Q: How did @JuAndChan on TikTok come about? Chan: [During COVID] His agency told all of the guys, who were in any sport, y’all should get on TikTok. And we were kind of like, “Ok, I mean the agency said to so we might as well,” and so we just did a couple’s account. One of the agents said it would be the next big thing. We started doing it and it obviously takes some time to have a “viral” video. And it really does just take one. We had our first viral video maybe two or three months in and it has skyrocketed ever since.
Q: How do you respond to negative comments? Chan: At first I took a lot of offense to it. I used to care a lot of people would say. I would get really offended. He wasn’t even on the team yet and people were saying, “oh my gosh, of course she’s married to him because he’s in the NFL. He’s making so much money.” I’m like, actually, we’re broke. Like, he’s not even in the NFL. And of course, the one way that I was able to start to cope with all of people just making assumptions about me was making jokes. So when people would say, “Oh, she’s a gold digger,” I’d be like, “Heck yeah.” I ran with it. I still run with it. It helped me a lot to not care. I used to care a lot what people said, and now I don’t.
Q: With the house and the new baby, should we expect new content for Ju and Chan? Chan: Oh, yeah, we already have so many plans to make family vlogs. We definitely plan on showing her to the world. And we’re excited too. We show everything else in our life. We’re super vulnerable. Everyone’s been through this journey with us. It’s been a tough journey. And so we think that it’ll be special to share her.
Lagniappe:
Which team are y’all excited to play this year?
Ju: Personally, I’m excited for the first game. I just think more so because the Tennessee Titans were my childhood favorite team. But also, just the last time we played it wasn’t pleasant. We lost, so just eager to get back.
Chan: LA Rams
Favorite thing to do around the city?
Both: we love FOOD! Anything to do with food.
What’s your date night restaurant?
Ju: We just tried this new restaurant called Sun Chong.
Chan: It’s so delicious. It’s our new fave!
Are we going to win the Super Bowl this year?
Ju: Yes!
