The NFL’s loudest star was its quietest squatter
While many NFL rookies celebrate their first big paycheck by purchasing a sprawling mansion or a fleet of luxury cars, Cincinnati Bengals legend Chad “Ochocino” Johnson took a different route.
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Johnson was one of the best wide receivers of his generationCredit: Getty
In a move that redefines the term “company man,” the iconic fun-loving wide receiver opened up about his decision to live inside Paycor Stadium (then Paul Brown Stadium) for the first two years of his professional career.
A stadium that is worth just a tick under $500 million.
Johnson reflected on his early days in the league, proudly calling himself the NFL’s most frugal player, a mindset he still embraces today.
“Nobody in the world is better at being cheaper/financially conscious than me,” Johnson stated.
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While the lifestyle of a professional athlete is often synonymous with extravagance, Johnson saw things differently. To him, the stadium wasn’t just a workplace; it was a fully furnished, rent-free luxury apartment.
Johnson previously shared details of his time living inside the stadium during a conversation with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay.
“You gotta remember, I stayed at the stadium the first two years because I didn’t want to spend no money,” Johnson said.
“What’s the point? Why are you telling me to go rent a house, go buy a house, [or] go rent a condo when everything I need is right here in the facility at Paul Brown?
“Showers, cafeteria, TV, couch, gaming system. What’s the point? I was so locked in. It wasn’t about having my own space.”
Johnson was drafted by the Bengals in the second round in 2001.
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Johnson has since partnered with Shannon Sharpe to produce contentCredit: Getty
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The former Bengals star was as big a personality off the field as he was a talent on itCredit: Getty
The outspoken wideout was clearly joking in classic Ocho fashion, but it makes for a good story nonetheless.
Johnson’s stay at “Hotel Bengals” eventually came to an end in his third season, but not because he ran out of money. Instead, it was head coach Marvin Lewis who finally staged an intervention.
According to Johnson, Lewis told him it was time to “be responsible,” “spread his wings,” and finally get his own place.
Respecting his coach’s wishes, Johnson moved out, though he didn’t go far, settling just down the street from the facility.
Johnson’s “cheap” lifestyle certainly didn’t hinder his performance on the field. Over 10 seasons in Cincinnati, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in nearly every major receiving category, racking up 10,783 yards on 751 receptions with 66 touchdowns.
Today, Johnson serves as a reminder that while the “bling” era of the early 2000s was in full swing, one of the league’s biggest personalities was quietly saving his pennies and sleeping on a couch in the locker room.
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To no surprise, Johnson has had a successful media career following his playing daysCredit: Getty
Whether you believe Johnson or not is entirely up to you.
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