Skip navigation

Bengals' Johnson changes name to Ocho Cinco

Wide receiver legally changes last name, several reports say

Image: Chad Johnson
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson is reportedly changing his last name to Ocho Cinco.
David Kohl / AP
ProFootballTalk’s Picks
Philadelphia Eagles v Oakland Raiders
Key division showdowns looming
Eagles, Saints, Colts, Ravens, Patriots all headed for big victories against rivals

ProFootballTalk.com

Video: Football from NBC Sports
NFC East is overrated?
Nov. 7: Peter King and Mike Florio talk about the hot NFL topics including the lowly Browns, the Cowboys-Eagles matchup, the first half MVP and more.

Special feature
Houston Texans v Tennessee Titans
Vote for supremacy
Who gets your vote: Will the pom-poms start a streak or get flattened by the seat cushions?
Slideshow
Atlanta Falcons v New Orleans Saints
  Sideline support
Check out some of the NFL cheerleaders from across the league.

more photos

Slide show
Image:
  Week in Sports Pictures
A Duck goes for a ride, a NASCAR driver takes flight, some bankers take to boxing, and much more.

more photos

updated 10:14 p.m. ET Aug. 29, 2008

CINCINNATI - Maybe receiver Chad Johnson can go by the name that his head coach hates.

The Cincinnati Bengals receiver has legally changed his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco in Broward County, Fla., a switch that became official this week, according to several media reports. Johnson, who lives in Miami, didn’t return a message left on his cell phone Friday night.

“It’s something I don’t think anyone has ever done before,” he told the team’s Web site. “Have I ever had a reason for why I do what I do? I’m having fun.”

Story continues below ↓
advertisement | your ad here

Two years ago, Johnson gave himself the moniker — a reference in Spanish to his No. 85 — and put it on the back of his uniform before a game. Quarterback Carson Palmer ripped it off before the kickoff. After the season, coach Marvin Lewis — who dislikes Johnson’s attention-getting stunts — referred to the receiver as “Ocho Psycho.”

Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said the Bengals had no comment on the matter.

Johnson has been a concern for the Bengals this season. He unsuccessfully lobbied for a trade in the offseason, threatening to sit out if he didn’t get his way. When the Bengals refused, he relented and showed up for minicamp, but complained that his right ankle was bothering him.

He had bone spurs removed from the ankle and was limited at the start of training camp. In the second preseason game, he landed awkwardly and temporarily dislocated his left shoulder. Johnson is wearing a harness and expects to play in the season opener against Baltimore.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sponsored links