Bussin' With The Boys – Best of the Bus: Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson (Episode 85)

Release Date: January 3, 2026
Guests: Chad Johnson (Ochocinco)

EPISODE OVERVIEW

NFL pros Will Compton and Taylor Lewan ("the boys") welcome NFL legend Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson for a lively, candid, laugh-filled ride through his one-of-a-kind football career, unique personal philosophies, and wild life stories. The episode moves from hilarious anecdotes and locker room banter to authentic takes on everything from parenting, legacy, and financial smarts to being a pro athlete with a heart. As always, the boys keep it light, irreverent, and totally unfiltered.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. How Ochocinco Ended Up on the Bus

Timestamp: 01:05–04:42

• Chad was in Nashville for the Browns-Titans game and tweeted about not knowing what to do in town as a non-drinker.
• Will and Taylor recapped how their fan base bombarded Chad on social media, finally getting him to agree to come on the podcast.
• Chad: "The Urban Outfitters got me an outfit to wear today and here I am, forty bucks later. Why not?" (04:42)

Memorable Quote:

• "You’re very thrifty. You’re on record a lot talking about being frugal." – Will (04:57)

2. On Being Frugal & Authentic

Timestamp: 04:56–07:07

• Ochocinco emphasized how staying frugal has helped him, both during and after his NFL career.
• He describes preferring comfort and authenticity over flash.
• Discussion shifts to the unique "bus" studio, including an anecdote about previously homeless folks crashing in the bus and not stealing anything ("They basically took clothes.").

3. Love, Trash Talk, and Mind Games in Football

Timestamp: 07:09–12:27

• Ochocinco’s mantra of spreading love—even to opponents during games—gets explored.
• Chad: “My favorite line that pissed everybody off was, dude, I love you, in the middle of the game.” (07:39)
• The boys riff on psychological tactics, with Taylor saying he’d push boundaries (“There’s a big homophobic feeling in the NFL, and so when I tell another player, I’ll suck your dick, the game is now over for them.” – 08:15 Cam Jordan)
• Chad calls this all mental edge strategy: “Sometimes, in the NFL, that’s all you need… just that inch of you thinking, that split second is all I need.” (08:21–08:27)

Memorable Quote:

• "It’s always been my mantra … especially with the world the way it is now." – Chad (07:39)

4. The Infamous “DB List” & Performing Under Pressure

Timestamp: 12:10–13:11

• Chad recounts his famous list of defensive backs, displayed in his locker, whom he vowed to beat each week.
• “I played All-Madden in real life because I put a list in my locker … and let everyone know I’ll beat you every down, all four quarters.” (12:13)
• "All they had to do was stop me one time and you get a check. Did anybody ever win? I think that year, one person..." (12:49)

5. Position Challenges & Playing DB

Timestamp: 16:24–18:26

• Debates the hardest position in football (Ochocinco says corner is the hardest).
• Chad tells how he still covers top wideouts in the offseason (Tyreek, Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Amari Cooper) and claims he wins about 40% of reps.
• “The fact that my body can maintain [treadmill speed of] 25 miles an hour for over eight, nine seconds, that means I can still go.” (18:40)

6. College/Young Life Struggles, Separating from “The Life”

Timestamp: 22:26–25:48

• Chad shares his chaotic path to and through college, involving academic trouble, fighting, and bouncing between schools before landing at Oregon State.
• On avoiding street life in Miami: “There was a certain way things were done… But individuals that had potential to make it out, they looked out for you. They didn’t bring you in.” (25:05)
• Theme: Sometimes the neighborhood makes sure their brightest prospects get out.

7. Parenting, Athletic “DNA,” and Family Philosophy

Timestamp: 27:00–36:39

• Advice to his own kids (especially son at Arizona State, daughter with major track speed).
• On fatherhood: “I have seven [kids]. We all work as one unit.” (34:16–34:56)
• Chad admits he chose mothers for their athleticism: “Everyone I had a child with was based on their DNA and athletic background. It had nothing to do with how fine you were or how you look. It was strategic.” (35:36)
• “Did you run track? Did you play volleyball? I need that DNA…” (36:09)

Memorable Exchange:

• "So it was strategic?" – Will
  "Every time." – Chad (35:49–35:50)

8. Love, Dating, and the McDonald's Test

Timestamp: 37:07–39:30

• Chad shares his notorious “first date test” of taking women through the McDonald’s drive-thru (“It’s what I love… I have nothing to prove to you. Usually, you roll out the red carpet as a man… can you enjoy this meal without frowning your face if I pull in this McDonald’s drive-thru?” – 37:28)
• Anyone who can’t handle it doesn’t make it to date two.
• "What you’re offering, I can get elsewhere for free—or for a premium price." (39:04)

9. Food in Nashville, Soul Food, and Local Recs

Timestamp: 39:32–41:20

• The boys help Chad find the best food in town (Monell’s, Hattie B’s, etc.), highlighting their own favorites.

10. AJ Brown, Pro Bowl, and NFL Analysis

Timestamp: 41:20–44:09

• Chad is in town with NFL Films to feature star WR AJ Brown.
• The boys pitch nickname “Arthur Juan Kenobi.”
• Chad gives his take on the Pro Bowl: “It’s impossible [for everyone to make it]… all the receivers are doing well. Look at the stats.” (41:31)
• Brief analysis of best AFC receivers.

11. Route Running, Top WRs, And Football Craft

Timestamp: 47:44–48:54

• Chad on today’s top route runners: “Devante Adams, Keenan Allen, Calvin Ridley, Terry McLaurin, Jerry Jeudy, Amari Cooper … the top two, to me, are Devante Adams and Keenan Allen. They are the AND1 Mixtape of running routes.” (47:51–48:30)
• “Well, it’s only one Ocho.” (48:52)

12. NFL Lifestyle: Living at the Stadium & Saving Money

Timestamp: 49:03–51:13

• Chad confirms he slept at the Bengals’ facility his first two years to save money: “Why am I getting a place for, that I have to pay rent for, when I can stay there rent free?” (49:57)
• Was eventually forced by coaches to get an apartment.

13. Media, Social Media & “I Am Athlete” Podcast

Timestamp: 60:24–63:57

• Chad discusses joining the successful "I Am Athlete" show alongside Brandon Marshall, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder.
• The group gets real about tough issues: “We touch on everything. Race, religion, politics, football…” (61:53)
• On media/villain persona: "If I could do it again, I’d do it the same way, and plus some." (63:59)

14. The Patriots Years & NFL as “Business”

Timestamp: 64:04–68:39

• Transition to New England: “You walk in that door, the atmosphere, you understand you’re expendable… The pieces to the puzzle in New England change constantly… but the quarterback spot remains. Everything else shuffles in and out.” (64:25–65:03)
• On not fitting in: “Me, Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez, Gronk, Edelman… Where did I fit in, anyway? If I'd had a choice, would I have chosen to go to New England? Probably not.” (65:03)
• Reflections on being traded as a clear business commodity.

15. Final Notes: Life, Regret, and Living for Opportunity

Timestamp: 55:32–56:56

• Chad urges, “There are certain things in life you just don’t turn down… opportunities that present themselves that will never come about again.”
• On turning down (or seizing) chances in life, including bustin’ with the boys, and even missing a chance to smoke with Willie Nelson.

NOTABLE/MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS

• On Picking Mothers of His Kids:
  “Everyone I had a child with was based on their DNA and athletic background. It had nothing to do with how fine you were or how you look.” – Chad Johnson (35:36)
• On Trash Talk:
  “My favorite line that pissed everybody off was, dude, I love you, in the middle of the game.” – Chad Johnson (07:39)
• On Frugality:
  "Why am I getting a place for that I have to pay rent for when I can stay there rent free?" – Chad Johnson (49:57)
• On The Patriots:
  “You walk in that door, the atmosphere, you understand you’re expendable … the pieces to the puzzle in New England change constantly … but the quarterback spot remains.” – Chad Johnson (64:25)
• On Missed Opportunities:
  “There are certain things in life that you just don’t turn down. Certain opportunities that present themselves that will never come about again.” – Chad Johnson (56:24)

TIMESTAMP GUIDE TO IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

• 01:05–04:42 – How Chad ended up on the bus / Nashville visit
• 07:09–12:27 – Mental edge, love as trash talk, “child please” catchphrase
• 12:10–13:11 – The DB List, performing under pressure
• 22:26–25:48 – College struggles and avoiding the street life
• 27:00–36:39 – Parenting, athletic DNA, choosing mothers for sports skills
• 37:07–39:30 – McDonald’s drive-thru first date test
• 41:20–44:09 – AJ Brown, Pro Bowl, and analysis
• 47:44–48:54 – Best route runners; “only one Ocho”
• 49:03–51:13 – Living at Bengals stadium, saving money
• 60:24–63:57 – “I Am Athlete” podcast, media personas
• 64:04–68:39 – Patriots years, NFL as business and trades
• 55:32–56:56 – Life lessons: taking opportunities

OVERALL TONE

The episode is unfiltered, fast-paced, and laced with humor. Chad Johnson’s confidence, honesty, and strategic mindset about both football and life take center stage, all while riffing with the boys in classic locker-room style.

This summary covers all essential segments and gems of wisdom, packed with the authentic flavor of the guests—including memorable one-liners and timestamped highlights—while skipping non-content and ad breaks. Perfect for listeners new and old wanting to catch the best of Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson on the bus.