Keyshawn Johnson: Just give him the design control!

My husband wasn't around when I watched two episodes of "Keyshawn Johnson: Tackling Design."

But I'm sure I could get him to watch it when it premieres on A&E at noon on Sunday.

Yep, it's a design show for guys, even for those whose idea of design might be a lounge chair with a built-in beverage cozy.

The former Carolina Panthers wide receiver (OK, he was also with the Jets, the Buccaneers, and the Cowboys) works with his team of designers to help folks who want to transform a room. But don't think the team does all the work. Keyshawn is firmly in charge and has specific ideas.

He hates popcorn ceilings and window valances (me too!) and like most designers on TV design shows, thinks ceiling fans are 'hideous.' He also hates leather couches, because they make you feel like you're sliding off of them.

As a player, Keyshawn was known as much for his comments, as for his play. His strong opinions and inability to hide his displeasure makes for some prickly moments on the show. And that's a good thing. He's not disrespectful and he keeps the client in mind, but Keyshawn really wants to get his way. He mostly does.

In the first episode, Keyshawn transforms a garage into a man cave with space for the wife's scrapbooking. In the second episode, he tackles a master bedroom for a woman who has been trying to get her house finished for 2 years.

The show uses lots of sports references -- when Keyshawn meets with clients he's a scout and when he meets with his staff he delivers a scouting report -- and those Madden football graphics are in play too. In the first episode, there's even a little bleeping to cover Keyshawn's use of a locker room word.

Keyshawn, whose wardrobe shows he definitely has a sense of style, definitely knows how to design a room, and the show has plenty of teachable moments.

A few more episodes and I might be able to have a discussion with my husband about tufting.