“Saved 80 to 83 Percent”: Former Bengals WR Recalls Struggles on Saving NFL Salary to Become Super Rich

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson joined the league in 2001 and immediately garnered a lot of attention with his flashy plays. Throughout his 11-year-old NFL career, he earned a lot of money, as many players do. Unlike other NFL players, Johnson has actually used his money sensibly, which is why he is super rich now. While talking to NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe in his ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast, Johnson revealed how he saved a lot of money during the early stages of his career, which actually helped him become super rich.

According to a Sports Illustrated article published back in 2009, almost 78% of NFL players have gone bankrupt or become financially unstable after their retirement from the NFL because of either divorce or the lack of jobs. Certainly, the same did not happen with Johnson, as he saved most of his earnings.

Chad Johnson opens up about saving most of his NFL earnings

While talking to Sharpe, Johnson said, “I done saved 80 [to] 83 per cent of my salary… So, life is good because I was able to sustain and keep most of my wealth that I made while I was playing.“

Then, he opened up about the tactics he used initially in his career to save money when the Bengals drafted him. “I stayed at the stadium for the first two years because I ain’t want to spend no money… Why you telling me go rent a house, go buy a house, go rent a condo when everything I need is right here in the facility at Paul Brown? Showers, cafeteria, TV, couch, gaming system — what’s the point?” Johnson further said. Even many fans also agreed with him regarding his sensible spending.

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In the third season, Johnson became quite a big star; then Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis advised him to move out of the training facility and get his own place. After listening to Lewis’ advice, Johnson moved to a one-bedroom living space, which was near the stadium.

Johnson talked about making some luxurious purchases during his NFL career

Despite saving most of his earnings, Johnson also opened up about making some interesting purchases during his NFL career. “I done purchased at least everything. Bugatti, Ferrari, I did it all,” the 45-year-old former WR said.

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However, he feels there’s value to those purchases if athletes have become famous and earned enough money. Notably, Johnson played 10 seasons with the Bengals, where he recorded 751 receptions and 66 touchdowns, which still remains a franchise record.