Ex-NFL Star Saves Fan from Eviction: 'God Is Our Refuge and Strength'
It looks like J.J. Watt doesn’t have a monopoly on NFL players doing amazing things for ordinary people.
Former All-Pro wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson posted an innocuous tweet Friday that soon led to one heck of a story.
“How’s everyone’s Friday going so far?”Johnson asked, a fairly standard way to engage with fans, maybe get some good jokes and share-able things for the internet to enjoy.
How is everyone’s Friday going so far?
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 22, 2019
Until a fan named Chris in San Marcos, Texas, made mention of his plight: He was stuck for rent and facing eviction.
Facing eviction but it’s Friday so? ??♂️
— Chris (@swordinthedark) February 22, 2019
As recently as 2016, Johnson ran into trouble with his homeowners association and nearly had his house foreclosed upon as he was careening toward membership in the Broke Ex-Athletes’ Club alongside such luminaries as the NBA’s Antoine Walker and boxing’s Evander Holyfield.
So Johnson was quick to rush to the aid of a fan in trouble.
Eviction❓Show me the notice I’ll take care of it. https://t.co/3eIXAukS4n
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 22, 2019
The former Cincinnati Bengals star sent him $1,500.07 via PayPal.
And Chris the fan, his prayers answered, set his sights a bit higher when giving thanks.
“‘God is our refuge and strength,'” he tweeted. “I owe this man my life.”
@ochocinco ??
“God is our refuge and strength.”
I owe this man my life. pic.twitter.com/OdZlp3fy89— Chris (@swordinthedark) February 22, 2019
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 says, “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be,” and Johnson certainly took that lesson to heart.
Of course, he also had a laugh about it, offering up a challenge to the landlord whose tenant he’d just helped.
“tell your landlord next time WE fall behind on rent to play me in fifa for the balance” ? https://t.co/UFQhvh1ndu
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 22, 2019
Looks like the old wideout’s found a different kind of football to enjoy in video game form during his retirement.
Johnson then reinforced his message of solidarity with his fans as he tweeted a show of support.
If you are following me we are in a relationship, if you have any concerns or questions write them down a sticky note ?
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 23, 2019
It’s the small gestures that ring the loudest, and “Ochocinco” just dished out a pay-it-forward for the ages.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
