Andy Lyons - Getty Images
10 months ago: CINCINNATI - FILE: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals watches the final minute of the Bengals 49-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. According to reports on July 28, 2011 the New England Patriots have acquired Chad Ochocinco from the Cincinnati Bengals. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson was born to be an entertainer. Even though he didn't get to realize his NFL dream this past Sunday by becoming a world champion, he still holds a special place in the hearts of many Bengals fans. He had a tumultuous NFL career in Cincinnati, and it became increasingly interesting when sometime in during the 2007 and 2008 seasons he decided to change his last name to "Ochocinco". It was a play off of his number and his then-recent affinity to soccer.
Despite the fact that the name is incorrect Spanish ("Ochocinco" translates to "eight five", not "eighty-five"), Chad used this as a major marketing ploy, building his persona on and off of the football field. It began with him coming out during pregame warmups in a jersey with the last name Ochocinco during the 2007 season. Quarterback Carson Palmer playfully ripped it off of his back, likely to avoid some sort of league fine. Even though Chad legally changed his name to "Ochocinco", he had to wait a full season to have Reebok issue actual jerseys with the "Ochocinco" name on them, otherwise he would have had to personally eat quite a bit of money.
We saw a big change in Chad this season with the New England Patriots, both on and off of the football field. Now, he's making another big change--Chad claims he'll be changing his name back to Johnson this summer.
It's the second time in a little over a calendar year that Chad has let everyone know that he'll be changing his name. Though when he says something on Twitter, you know that it's pretty official.
@ochocinco
Chad OchocincoTake them down, i'll be Johnson on july 4th RT @RUDYDAGREAT1: I just notice I got bout 5 @ochocinco jerseys signed sitting on the wall
1 day ago via Seesmic · Reply · Retweet · Favorite · powered by @socialditto
We'll see if Chad finally sticks to his word about this, but it would make his career come full-circle. It's not totally clear why he's changing his name back--music video station VH1 assumes it's because of his upcoming wedding to Evelyn Lozada. I'm sure that a lot of people will also probably point to "The Patriot Way" and/or his career seemingly coming to an end in the near future.
If you still have your "85 Johnson" jersey buried somewhere deep in your closet or garage, it may be safe to dig it back out of retirement.
0 recs | 19 comments
We Should Bring Him Back Now, Since He is Going to Change his name back to Chad Johnson
He’ll probably Tear up the NFL again, since hes a #2 WR their wont be much Double Coverage his way, and AJ Green and him will make a scary duo
Touhue Cha - February 9, 2012
I'm not sure if you are kidding or not.
But i have wanted him back this whole year. He is still a very talented receiver even though his numbers don’t reflect it, and while him and marvin aren’t the best of friends, I would like to see him get another chance here in Cincy. I think that, like you said, he would not be double covered much, and as long as AD can get the ball close, he should be able to have a big year. Interesting to see how everything plays out.
Alexneyer - February 9, 2012
Im serious, i know a lot of people wont agree with me, but hey with young guns like AJ and Dalton playing
i think he’ll just go to work and not talk too much, besides Chad was one of the best polish route runner in the game at one time, so i think he will benefit from AJ and Jermaine as well also Shipley
Touhue Cha - February 9, 2012
i wouldn't mind chad back if we don't resign simpson.
i would definatly leave it up to the coaches on that one since they pretty much know most players personalities. I just don’t they can pull the triger even if the talent is still there.
They kept on saying how much differen’t AJ and Chads demenor were, so i doubt they go back and eat their words and sign Chad back.
AMAS85 - February 9, 2012
Chad and AJ would be scary no doubt
besides they have a better locker room presence now too, and the team is more hungry than ever which will change Chad’s thinking and the way how he approach each week because he would be more involved in the Offense
Touhue Cha - February 9, 2012
Anyone surprised, he wanted to switch it to 85 in Japanese a few years ago
njbengalstat - February 9, 2012
Chad's best years are behind him.
I like him though and wish for him to have success elsewhere, but he wore out his welcome in Cincinnati with running the wrong routes and being scared to get hit and dropping balls…The reality shows took him over.
Bengal4ever - February 9, 2012
If he changes back
will the league make him wear his Ochocinco jersey for one more year?
Brian B - February 9, 2012 via mobile
No.
The new Jerseys allow players to change numbers and presumably, names. Also, chances are he wouldn’t be a Patriot anyways.
KSE - February 9, 2012
Not according to ADP
There was a story last week that he wanted to change his number but was told he’d have to buy all the old jerseys at a cost of 1 mil.
emeybee - February 9, 2012 via mobile
With Nike coming in next yr I don't think he'd have to.
Could be wrong but if I’m not mistaken AP wanted to do the same this pat season and he would’ve had to buy all the ones Reebok printed. This yr Nike is doing the jerseys so if he told them in advance he wouldn’t have to pay nothing. Plus it says Johnson on his DL.
Bigcatdaddy - February 9, 2012 via Android app
He was informed just this year that he'd have to pay $1 million dollars
Oregonbengalsfan - February 9, 2012
Like I said, it was just last week or the week before.
Not last year.
emeybee - February 9, 2012
Your right about AP
But Chad wouldn’t owe reebok shit cause nike has the 12 contract.
Bigcatdaddy - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Palmer made him look better than he was.
I like Chad but it is what it is. Palmer tattooed his #’s with the ball alot of times. Dalton needs a little help from his receivers.
Bigcatdaddy - February 9, 2012 via Android app
+ 10
By Chad. You could have made a difference here if you wanted. You refused to block, learn your routes. New England exposed your weaknesses, it also showed some of the reason Carson left…although he threw plenty of picks with Chad. Looks great on paper. So did TO and Chad. We have moved on….I am happy.
WhoDeyJ - February 9, 2012
Desperate.
Why does anyone want a player back that couldn’t crack the starting lineup of a team that threw the ball as much as NE. You want a guy back who doesn’t block on running plays, couldn’t learn the Patriots offense.. What makes you think he can come back and learn this offense? No wonder we never win anything. Our fans think just like MB.
Yarin - February 9, 2012
Afraid to catch over the middle,self-centered
So close to the end “CANT WAIT” Maybe one day he will not appear on this site every other day
keithp - February 9, 2012
"the receiver who used to be a starter"
was probably too big to fit on the back of a jersey
palewook - February 10, 2012
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