NFL receiver takes shots at NASCAR champ Johnson

LOUDON, N.H. — Jimmie Johnson has a pair of titles he’s especially proud to have linked to his name. NASCAR champion. AP Male Athlete of the Year.

Yes, that’s right. The five-time champion driver is an athlete, too.

Johnson was swept into a brief Twitter feud this week because of his inclusion as a nominee for male athlete of the year at the ESPY Awards. Seattle Seahawks receiver Golden Tate posted on his account, @ShowtimeTate, “Jimmy johnson up for best athlete???? Um nooo .. Driving a car does not show athleticism.”

He continued to tweak Johnson, angering NASCAR fans. Tate later posted, “12th man get these rednecks off me.”

Johnson mostly laughed off the barbs Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and invited Tate to the track to learn more about NASCAR.