Ocho Cinco Wants to Officially Change Name to 'Ocho Cinco'

Chad Johnson

Cincinnati Bengals wideout Chad Johnson has reportedly started proceedings to have his last name officially changed Ocho Cinco. In the past, Johnson has been told he would be fined if he wore the name during games.

Al Behrman, AP

The Bengals' star is known for his antics both on and off the field. "I'm the type that I want everyone to like me and what I do." The outspoken wideout has always found creative ways to push the NFL's celebration rules.

Ben Liebenberg, NFL Photos / Getty Images

Love him or hate him, you have to give him credit for his creativity when it comes to bringing laughs. Johnson put this sports jacket on after a 39-yard touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens in 2007.

David Kohl, AP

Johnson began sporting a blond mohawk in '06, a look that morphed into a team marketing ploy. Blond rubber scalps were sold in the team gift shop.

AJ Mast, AP

According to Chad, Tiger Woods has nothing on his golf game, as he showed versus the Ravens. The showman once used the pylon to putt the football after scoring a touchdown.

Dan Beineke, NFL / Getty Images

In another premeditated move, the Bengals wideout resuscitated a ball in the end zone after a score.

Jimmy DeFlippo, USP / ZUMA Press

Johnson has also used his celebrity for good causes. In 2007, he raised money for charity by racing a horse. Thanks to a head start, he won the race by several lengths.

David Kohl, AP

In news that, well, seems about two years overdue, Chad Johnson is apparently contemplating a name change. And while "Ron" or "Lyndon" or "White Shoes" seem marginally logical, Johnson is going in a different direction. Via MDS at PFT:

We've learned that Johnson has taken the first steps in the state of Florida toward legally changing his last name to Ocho Cinco. ...

If Johnson follows through on this, his actual, legal name will be Chad Ocho Cinco, and the NFL would then (we assume) allow him to put his new last name on the back of his jersey.

MDS also points out that NFL players can make a nontrivial pile of dough through jersey sales, and assuming "Ocho Cinco" jerseys would be wildly popular, there's no reason to think Johnson isn't using this as a marketing ploy.

Which is why NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who appears to have the sense of humor of a robot not programmed to have a sense of humor, might be interested in nipping this in the bud before it gets out of hand.

Here's to hoping this works out for Johnson; if he wants to legally change his name, no matter how idiotic-sounding, I'm all for it. My only regret is that he didn't go with "Dr. Porkenheimer's Boner Juice." That would've really moved some merchandise.