Chad Ochocinco Johnson has never been shy about doing things his own way, and one of the most talked-about examples from his playing days is also one of the simplest.
According to ClutchPoints, during the early years of his NFL career, the former wide receiver famously lived inside the Cincinnati Bengals’ stadium, a decision he now says came down to discipline, focus, and being extremely mindful with money.
Johnson, now 48, recently revisited the story in response to a social media post highlighting his unconventional living arrangement. Reacting to the label of being “financially conscious,” he leaned into it fully, writing, “Nobody in the world is better at being cheaper/financially conscious than me.”
The post noted that Johnson stayed at the stadium not only to save money, but also to ensure he was always the first player in the building.
This wasn’t the first time Johnson explained the logic behind the move. In a previous conversation with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, he broke down his thinking in plain terms. At the time, Johnson saw no reason to spend money on housing when everything he needed was already available inside the team facility.
“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?” He rattled off the essentials: “Showers, cafeteria, TV, couch, gaming system. What’s the point?”
According to Johnson, the choice wasn’t about comfort or avoiding responsibility. It was about total focus. “I was so locked in,” he said. “It wasn’t about having my own space.”
After two seasons, that chapter came to an end following a conversation with then-head coach Marvin Lewis. Johnson recalled Lewis encouraging him to take the next step off the field as well. “It’s time for you to be responsible. Spread your wings. Get your own place,” Lewis told him.
Johnson agreed—and moved just down the street.