Cincinnati Bengals' Chad Johnson to Change Name to Chad Ocho Cinco, Rumor Says

Chad Ocho Cinco Rumors Spread; A New Jersey for No. 85?

Chad Johnson is a character. Love him or hate him. ProFootballTalk reported that number 85 has begun the process of changing his last name to "Ocho Cinco." When Chad Johnson was questioned Wednesday about the rumored name change, local news station 700 WLW reported that number 85 said, "I don't know anything about a name change. My name is Chad Johnson." However, if you know Chad, then you know he may be playing with the media. After all, he was forced to talk to the media - or face a fine - after avoiding them too long.

The History of Ocho Cinco

Anyone with the NFL Network is familiar with Chad Johnson's nickname Ocho Cinco. In 2006, Chad Johnson wore a jersey that said "Ocho Cinco" above his number 85. Subsequently, the NFL fined the Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver $5,000. Ocho Cinco has become synonymous with Chad Johnson. However, the NFL does not allow players to choose what is written on NFL jerseys. Would Chad Johnson consider a name change to circumvent the NFL rule?

Who is Chad Johnson?

Chad Johnson is one of the NFL's most flamboyant characters. He is known for his antics just as well as his Pro Bowl play at the wide receiver position. In 2007, Ocho Cinco donned a Hall of Fame jacket after scoring a touchdown. Many other touchdown celebrations have garnered fines from the NFL. Also, NFL rules cracked down on touchdown celebrations at least in part because of the antics of Chad Johnson.

The Name Change Rumor Spreads

ProFootballTalk broke the story that Chad Johnson took initial steps to change his last name in the state of Florida. Chad Johnson grew up in Miami, Florida, even if Ocho Cinco was born Cincinnati, Ohio. Nonetheless, many media outlets picked up the story. Subsequently, Chad Johnson denied any knowledge of a name change. Yet, the rumor about the Pro Bowl wide receiver persists.

And the Name Change Rumor Spreads Verbatim