Former Bengals WR Chad Johnson admits to living at team facility for two years

Chad Johnson made millions of dollars during his 11-year NFL career, but the former Cincinnati Bengals star prided himself on living a cheap lifestyle during his playing days.

During a recent appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, Johnson admitted he lived at the Bengals' team facility for the first two years of his career in order to save money (Johnson earned approximately $2 million during his first two seasons).

“I stayed at the stadium the first two years because I didn’t want to spend no money,” Johnson stated. “What’s the point? …when everything I need is right in the facility at Paul Brown (Stadium)? Showers, cafeteria, TV, couch, gaming system—what’s the point?”

The 45-year-old conceded his frugality included wearing fake jewelry, avoid five-star restaurants when dining out, and having a limited wardrobe.

By his third season, then-Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis had convinced Johnson to move out and get his own place, which he did right down the road from the stadium.

Although he made $48.8 million in 11 seasons with the Bengals and New England Patriots, Johnson also admitted that he saved nearly 80 percent of his NFL salary for after retirement.

Johnson retired following the 2011 season, ending his career with 766 receptions, 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns. He was a three-time First Team All-Pro, a one-time Second Team All-Pro and a six-time Pro Bowler. He led the NFL in receiving yards in 2006 (1,369).