Chad Ochocinco Johnson has by no means been shy about doing issues his personal means, and one among the most talked-about examples from his taking part in days can be one among the easiest.
According to ClutchPointsthroughout the early years of his NFL profession, the former vast receiver famously lived inside the Cincinnati Bengals’ stadium, a choice he now says got here all the way down to self-discipline, focus, and being extraordinarily conscious with cash.
Johnson, now 48, lately revisited the story in response to a social media put up highlighting his unconventional dwelling association. Reacting to the label of being “financially conscious,” he leaned into it absolutely, writing, “Nobody in the world is better at being cheaper/financially conscious than me.”
The put up famous that Johnson stayed at the stadium not solely to save cash, but additionally to make sure he was all the time the first participant in the constructing.
This wasn’t the first time Johnson defined the logic behind the transfer. In a earlier dialog with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shayhe broke down his considering in plain phrases. At the time, Johnson noticed no motive to spend cash on housing when every thing he wanted was already obtainable inside the staff facility.
“You gotta remember, I stayed at the stadium the first two years because I didn’t want to spend no money,” Johnson stated. “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 necessities: “Showers, cafeteria, TV, couch, gaming system. What’s the point?”
According to Johnson, the selection wasn’t about consolation or avoiding accountability. It was about whole focus. “I was so locked in,” he stated. “It wasn’t about having my own space.”
After two seasons, that chapter got here to an finish following a dialog with then-head coach Marvin Lewis. Johnson recalled Lewis encouraging him to take the subsequent step off the discipline as nicely. “It’s time for you to be responsible. Spread your wings. Get your own place,” Lewis advised him.
Johnson agreed—and moved simply down the avenue.