CINCINNATI BENGALS
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals legend Chad 'Ochocinco' says he lived first two years of his career in team's stadium

He saved thousands of dollars by using the stadium's resources.

Former Bengals WR Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson.
Former Bengals WR Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson.Instagram @ochocinco

The Cincinnati Bengals' all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards is Chad Johnson, AKA Chad Ochocinco, who was known for his unique personality and the money he earned while playing for the team.

That's why it's interesting to know that during the first two years of his career, Ochocinco lived in the Bengals' stadium, taking advantage of all the facilities it offered, such as the gym, bathroom, cafeteria, etc.

He revealed this during the Club Shay Shay podcast with Shannon Sharpe: "You have to remember, I stayed at the stadium the first two years because I didn't want to spend any money," Johnson said.

The Paul Brown Stadium was really his home

"What was the point? Why are you telling me to rent a house, buy one or rent an apartment when everything I need is right here, in the Paul Brown facilities? Showers, cafeteria, television, couch, video game console. What was the point?" he recalled.

By his third season, Ochocinco was already a star and earning a good salary, so the then-team coach, Marvin Lewis, told him he could no longer use the Paul Brown facilities.

"That's when Marvin (Lewis) came in and said, 'It's time for you to be responsible. Spread your wings. Get your own place'," Johnson said. "I moved right down the street," he added.

Chad Johnson played in the NFL for 11 seasons, after coming to the league from Oregon State University. He was the second pick of the 2001 draft and was with the Bengals from 2001 to 2010. He ended his career playing in 2011 for the New England Patriots and in 2012 for the Miami Dolphins.

He finished his career with 766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns, and is the Bengals' all-time leader with 10,783 receiving yards.

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