In Chad, ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson begins humbly saving money for Spirit Airlines & Claire’s jewelry before rising to fame

AS an NFL star, Chad Johnson demanded high wages.

The former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, 45, earned nearly $49 million during his impressive playing career, according to Sporting News.

2

His highest-grossing year was 2006 when his contract with the Bengals was worth more than $11.5 million.

But father-of-eight Johnson, who retired from the game in 2011, said he saved most of his money by wearing fake Claires jewelry and flying Spirit Airlines.

He told Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast on XX: “Fly private? I don’t fly privately.

“Put me on Spirit. leave row. window seat. That’s all I need,” he added.

“As long as I can get from point A to point B, I don’t need a private person.”

He also told the podcast that he managed to save 83 percent of his earnings.

Johnson, known as Chad Ochocinco, even spent his freshman year with the Bengals, living locally to save money.

He added: “I never really brought anything when I was playing. Never. What was the point?

“I went to Claire’s. For what? What am I doing this for?

“Women are going to engage with you anyway because of who you are, and then the other women who are really doing their homework googled how much you’re already making.

“Why am I buying a $50,000 watch, an $80,000 watch?”

But despite his efforts to save money, Johnson regularly helps others by leaving large tips for waiters at restaurants.

He often leaves notes on the bill along with the money.

Most recently, in October of last year, he left a $1,000 tip to a worker at an IHOP in Tennessee.

Johnson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001, where he played as a wide receiver for nine seasons.

Johnson played one season with the New England Patriots in 2011 and then made a one-season switch to the Miami Dolphins in 2012.

He played with the Dolphins offseason but never played during the regular season.

Johnson has also had endorsement deals with big companies like GoDaddy, Reebok, and Wonderful Pistachio.

Johnson siad this week: “Everyone is busy with pictures and looks a certain way and is rich. It’s me. It’s pointless.

“Do you know how hard it is to live like this all the time and fly every day?”

2