Before Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s Romance Took Center Stage, 50-Year-Old NFL Star Captured the World Attention With Tennis GOAT

When discussing prominent female tennis players, Serena Williams is among the most well-known names. While the 41-year-old may have retired from professional tennis last year, she still makes headlines. Williams has won a combined 39 major titles, 23 in singles, 14 in doubles, and two in mixed- doubles. Back in November 2017, she married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, after she gave birth to their daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. in September of that same year. But it was not just her game that captivated fans. Her diverse dating profile throughout the years has been a topic of hot gossip as well.

Prior to settling down with Alexis Ohanian, she had several romantic relationships. From tennis players to actors to musicians, the list is quite diverse. There was also a time linking her with the NFL as well. Two decades ago, this former 50-year-old NFL WR made headlines with her relationship with the tennis star. And it was something that captured the attention of fans worldwide. 

Serena Williams dated this former Super Bowl winner

Years before the Ohanian chapter, Serena Williams was dating former NFL WR Keyshawn Johnson during his Tampa Bay Buccaneers days. After Johnson divorced his wife in November 2002 after four years, rumors began churring of him, creating a romantic bond with the international tennis star.

According to a 2003 article by Rick Stroud, rumors picked up pace when the former WR attended as many tennis matchups of Serena Williams just like her sister Venus Williams. Johnson was also present when both the sisters faced off in the Wimbledon finals, where Serena went on to win her sixth Grand Slam Singles championship while defending her title against her older sister. The duo was also seen many times shopping together near Williams’ home in Palm Beach or going on dates. Even during the ESPY Awards that year, comedian Jamie Foxx had a field day teasing Keyshawn Johnson with her rumored beau. 

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Back then, the pairing of Williams and Johnson felt natural. Maybe because both of them had a backstory of battling poverty to become great in their fields. But while their dating rumors were at their peak, Johnson had gone on to deny building a romantic relationship with the tennis star.

Johnson tried to deny rumors with Williams

During Super Bowl week in 2003, many reports stated that Keyshawn Johnson sent Williams two dozen roses at her Australian open. It also stated that after winning her fourth Grand Slam, Serena Williams made her way to San Diego to witness the Bucs defeat the Las Vegas Raiders to win the Super Bowl XXXVII. They were e also reportedly partying together at the W hotel, after which Johnson reportedly joined her rumored beau in Paris for her Gaz De France Open victory. But the WR denied these rumors, stating, “Unbelievable. That’s not even close to the truth. I swear they make this stuff up. It ain’t like that. We’re just friends.”

While the relationship between Johnson and Williams was a quiet affair, she will now be looking forward to her life with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, with whom she has started a family. Do you think Johnson and Williams could have been a great couple in the long run? Let us know in the comments below.

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