Chad Javon Johnson (born January 9, 1978), known from 2008 to 2012 as Chad Ochocinco, is an American former professional football player. He played wide receiver for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). But who was the woman who raised this NFL star? This article delves into the life of Paula Johnson, the mother of Chad Johnson, and her influence on his life and career.
Chad Johnson during a game with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Early Life and Family
Growing up in Miami, Florida, Chad Johnson had a unique upbringing. When Chad was 5, his mother, Paula Johnson, dropped him off at his grandmother’s house in Miami before boarding a bus to Los Angeles. This early separation had a profound impact on Chad, who constantly sought validation and attention throughout his life.
In an interview, Pastor Chad Johnson shared details about his family life. He grew up in a small mountain town in Colorado, describing it as a "Mark Twain novel life" with caves, rivers, and mountain tops. He had an amazing Dad who was his coach, his mentor, his everything. He also had an older brother and a younger sister, all five years apart. Despite a strong family structure, faith was not a central part of their lives. They were cultural Christians, celebrating Christmas and Easter but not actively practicing their faith.
The Role of Bessie Flowers: Chad's Grandmother
After being forced to leave Langston after just one season, Chad returned to Miami. There, his grandmother, Bessie Flowers, played a pivotal role in guiding him. Bessie Flowers had been a teacher and counselor within the Miami Dade Public School System for 40 years before she retired.
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According to Chad, if football wasn't a part of his life, there were three things that could have happened, and they were all bad. He would have likely been selling drugs, in jail, or dead. He knew he caused his grandmother to have a lot of sleepless nights worrying about him and the direction he was headed. Bessie continuously explained how important it was for him to get back into a college environment. She suggested that he leave Miami and go to Los Angeles to be with his mother.
Education and Football Career
Chad Johnson briefly attended Langston University. In 1997, Johnson transferred to Santa Monica College, a community college in Santa Monica, California. In 2000, Johnson transferred to Oregon State University, after being aggressively recruited by coach Dennis Erickson to play for the OSU team.
Before he was able to put the pads on, he had to make up some credits at Santa Monica College. That's why he didn't take part in any practices at Oregon State until just three weeks before the season opener. In a very short time, he had to learn everything about the new offense. Initially, he was fourth on the depth chart. That was the reason for the slow start.
At that point, he finally understood the concept that his goals in football couldn't be realized without a serious approach in the classroom. UCLA, USC, San Diego State, Hawaii and Oregon State were all interested in having him sign on with their programs. Because of coach Erickson, he signed on at Oregon State. At the time, he told coach Erickson that he wouldn't disappoint him.
In his one season in Corvallis he had 37 catches for 806 yards and 8 TD’s. He takes great pride in his ability to run precise, disciplined routes and in the process understand what he was trying to accomplish.
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Challenges and Personal Growth
Johnson previously claimed his mother was never really there for him as he grew up due to alcohol and addiction. For someone who did not even have a father figure, that was a huge blow.
Chad Johnson himself admitted, "Boy cannot sit still,” Flowers said, smiling in 2006. “Has no attention span. I have to admit, though: Even if I wasn’t good, I still wouldn’t have gone to class.”
In an interview with Hollywood Life, Johnson shared how he hoped their appearance on "Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars Family Edition" would help him mend their broken bond. In the said interview, he shared the experience of being on the show was good. Talking about where their relationship stood before that, he said:"Well, the reason for me going was the opportunity for me to try to repair a relationship that was really never there in the first place."
Career Highlights and Achievements
Johnson was selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft, and played for them for 10 seasons. Ochocinco, which means "eight five" in Spanish, was also his number. During the 2005 NFL season, Johnson announced that he would keep a checklist, titled who Covered 85 in '05, that would evaluate the defensive backs who successfully managed to cover him.
In addition to being one of the most productive receivers in the NFL, Johnson was also one of the most popular in balloting for the Pro Bowl. In the fan voting for the 2006 game, he finished first in votes for wide receivers, and fourth overall with 987,650 total votes.
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Personal Life and Relationships
Johnson was known for his flamboyant attitude and infamous end zone celebrations. Johnson opened up the 2010 season with 12 receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown in the Bengals' opening day loss to the Patriots. In doing so, he tied the franchise record for touchdown catches (which he later surpassed) and became the sixth player in NFL history to amass 10,000 receiving yards with one team.
Johnson's personal life has also been in the spotlight. In 2010, Johnson was featured on his own reality television dating show called Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch on VH1. On July 4, 2012, Johnson and Lozada married. On August 11, 2012, Johnson was arrested on a charge of domestic battery according to the Davie, Florida police. Johnson allegedly headbutted Lozada following an argument.
Later Career and Current Ventures
Johnson signed a two-year deal with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League on April 17, 2014. He is currently a panelist on the weekly highlight show Inside the NFL, a role he has held since the show moved to The CW in 2023. He also co-hosts the podcast Nightcap alongside Shannon Sharpe.
Paying Tribute to His Mother
Former football star Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson is mourning the death of his beloved mother Paula. Showing his love for the heavenly soul, Johnson took to social media to pay emotional tributes. In an Instagram post, the NFL star announced his mother was no longer in this world with a video of himself and her dancing to some fun jazz and samba tunes at a restaurant.
"R.I.P to my [GOAT] Paula Johnson aka Hurricane Paula," Johnson captioned the bittersweet post with a white dove emoji. The post was followed by another emotional clip. Johnson shared a GIF of an on-screen moment with his mother with a broken heart emoji. The clip was from their bio for "Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars Family Edition," which was released on YouTube on April 14, 2017.
Chad Johnson's journey is a testament to the influence of family, particularly the women who stepped up to guide him. Paula Johnson's role, though complex, was a significant part of his story, alongside the unwavering support of his grandmother, Bessie Flowers.
Shannon Sharpe & Chad Johnson’s best stories from their NFL playing days | Best of Nightcap
Chad Johnson on Dancing with the Stars.
Key Figures in Chad Johnson's Life
| Name | Relationship to Chad | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Paula Johnson | Mother | Provided early life experiences and family connection |
| Bessie Flowers | Grandmother | Mentor, counselor, and guiding force in his education and career |
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