Former NFL wideouts Chad Johnson and Brandon Marshall engaged in a heated discussion over dieting and training during a recent episode of their I Am Athlete podcast.
About 37 minutes into the episode, Johnson and Marshall offered advice to younger players about how they should spend their offseason. While Johnson encouraged players to enjoy themselves, Marshall -- along with cohosts and former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder -- detailed their strict routines and training regiments.
Johnson described a much simpler routine before Marshall expressed his opinion that Johnson would have been an even greater player if he valued sleep and nutrition.
"Just think about what Ocho would have done if he wasn't...you keep talking about McDonald's and all that but I truly believe sleep and nutrition is the biggest ex-factor," Marshall said at the 45:55 mark before Johnson cut him off.
"Stop letting these people f****** brainwash you," Johnson responded while claiming he would have played 20 years in the league if he didn't run into issues in his personal life.
Marshall attempted to shift the conversation towards career stats, highlighting Johnson's final year with the Bengals when he only had about 800 yards. Johnson rejected Marshall's claim and blamed the low numbers on him being targeted less.
"That's the way the f****** system works. It's the way it works, they work you out the system," Johnson responded. "Every f****** receiver. Randy Moss, T.O., they did it to Jerry Rice, now you come to me and you don't have common sense?"
When Marshall pointed out the longevity of the receivers Ochocinco mentioned, Johnson said, "You can't talk longevity with me because my Black a** f***** up, so that's out the door."
The argument continued to build as Johnson continued to question what his diet had to do with his production on the field. He also added that he goes to sleep at 9:30 P.M. and lives a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.
"What I eat is not going to make me catch better, get the f*** open, score touchdowns, no it's not!" Johnson later said. "Either you got it or you don't."
Johnson and the cohosts also pointed out that he was never seriously injured during his playing years, while Marshall dealt with various injuries throughout his career. While Marshall called Johnson lucky to not get seriously hurt during his career, Johnson jokingly stated that McDonald's strengthened his body to be able to take the physical toll of the NFL.
After all of the hosts shared a laugh, Johnson directed his attention towards viewers and encouraged them to eat whatever they want to eat.
"People at home if you see this, eat whatever the f*** you wanna eat," Johnson stated. "The body has to build a f****** callous. You eat all this healthy s***, you f****** sterilize everything. Well then s*** happens to you, you're f****** immune system can't fight s*** off, your body doesn't know how to react. Just live, man! All this f******, 'Science!' F*** that, science is what's killing every f****** body."
