National Pickleball Day and pickleball's 60th birthday were celebrated on FOX & Friends on Friday morning with a live hit from Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

FOX News reporter Griff Jenkins partcipated in a short exhibition match with Zane Navratil (MLP's New Jersey 5s), Genie Bouchard (MLP's Phoenix Flames), and six-time NFL Pro Bowler Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson to promote America's fastest-growing sport.

The friendly encounter was held on the first-ever regulation pickleball court inside the iconic building, which serves as a transportation hub for commuter rail lines and also houses shops, restaurants, and other amenities.

Throughout the weekend, the Pickleball in the Hall, presented by DoorDash MLP Finals pop-up is welcoming people to play on-site for free with clinics led by CityPickle pros and reserved open play for all ages and skill levels. 

All available clinic slots were booked within 30 minutes of going live.

"It’s National Pickleball Day, right? So what better place to be than right here in New York," said Johnson. "I’m here on behalf of DoorDash, so I’m coming out of retirement and I’m playing on the pro circuit - and I’m going to deliver. That’s it. I promise you."

Even if he isn't necessarily a pickleball wizard, Johnson's trademark confidence was on full display when the cameras were rolling.

He certainly hasn't lost his touch for delivering memorable one-liners. That's for sure.

"Do you love the game?" asked Jenkins, referencing pickleball, of course.

"The game loves me," responded Johnson, who ultimately held his own in the doubles match alongside the veteran journalist.

Skill-level aside, Johnson would definitely make a good playing partner.

He offered up some encouraging words to Jenkins before getting down to business against Navratil and Bouchard.

"You’ll be fine. It’s all about confidence," insisted Johnson. "Anything you approach, no matter whether it’s your first time doing it or you’ve done it 100 times, it’s all confidence and pretending like you know what you’re doing."

Bouchard, meanwhile, is still a relative newcomer to pickleball after turning pro in 2024.

She recently retired from professional tennis, closing her career at the National Bank Open in her hometown of Montreal.

"[I joined the pickleball ranks] because of the social aspect. It’s so fun," said Bouchard. "Pickleball is taking over. Everyone in the country is obsessed with it, so it’s fun to be a part of something that’s growing so much."

New York City will be a hub of pickleball activity later this month, of course, when the DoorDash MLP Finals are hosted at CityPickle at Wollman Rink from Friday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 24.

Click here to purchase tickets to the event.