Most people have a favorite number, which can lead them to fully embrace it by wearing it as a pendant on a necklace or even as a tattoo.
Former NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson took it to another level by adding his own spin to his jersey number, 85 — making it his nickname.
Although he’s built a reputation based on his association with the number, Johnson’s life and legacy go beyond it. Born in Miami, FL, Johnson entered the NFL as the Cincinnati Bengals’ second-round draft pick in 2001.
Throughout his career, Johnson completed 766 receptions; 11,059 yards; and 67 touchdowns. While he completed most of these athletic accomplishments with the Bengals for 10 seasons, he also played one year with the New England Patriots, earning a chance to compete in the 2012 “Super Bowl XLVI.”
Johnson’s career did not land him the chance to earn the top NFL award as a Super Bowl champion, but his on-field career garnered significant earnings. According to Spotrac, Johnson earned $48.9 million across his 11-year NFL career.
Johnson last played during the 2011 -2012 season, but he was frugal with his money, mitigating the risk of “losing it all,” he explained on an episode of “Club Shay Shay.”
“I done saved 80 [to] 83 percent of my salary,” Johnson said.
He added, “So, life is good because I was able to sustain and keep most of my wealth that I made while I was playing.”
Considering Johnson’s savings plans, he has maintained an estimated net worth of $15 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
However, merely saving a majority of his salary is not the only way Johnson has preserved his wealth. Based on a previous report from AFROTECH™, the 46-year-old would spend the night in Paul Brown Stadium (now Paycor Stadium) in Cincinnati, OH, during his rookie and sophomore seasons instead of renting an apartment or buying a house.
“As a rookie coming into the league, I stayed at [Paul Brown Stadium] my first two years because there was no point in spending money and wasting money when everything I need is already there,” Johnson explained to Entertainment Tonight.
He continued, “I didn’t move out of my grandmother’s house because I was content and used to where I lived. I didn’t move out of her house until my fourth year in the NFL.”
Another wealth-building tool Johnson uses is leveraging his love for McDonald’s. In a conversation with GQ Sports, the star revealed that the fast-food chain is popular with him because of its affordability.
“When I was a kid, burgers were 50 cents,” he told GQ Sports. “Fries were 20 cents. Therefore, it was all we could afford when I was a kid. You know what happened when I was little, too, when I ate McDonald’s? I never got hurt. You know what else I did as a kid when I ate McDonald’s? I dominated everything that I did, even in kindergarten.”
Today, Johnson owns three McDonald’s franchises.
Johnson may be off the field, but he remains relevant. Right now, He gives comedic perspectives and personal anecdotes regularly on the late-night podcast with Shannon Sharpe called “Nightcap.”
