It’s time to kiss the baby, goodbye. When the Cincinnati Bengals traded Chad Ochocinco (real name Chad Johnson) they officially traded their hopes of competing with the AFC North division as well.
The trade sent Ochocinco to the New England Patriots for a 5th round draft choice in the 2012 draft and a 6th round selection in the 2013 draft.
The Bengals are already projected to be without their quarterback and former number one overall pick Carson Palmer. Now, by trading the teams star receiver, they are cashing in the chips before the season has even started.
When they traded the leading receiver in Bengals history, the Bengals also lost the face of their franchise. Ochocinco leaves Cincinnati with career totals of 751 receptions for 10,783 yards and 66 touchdowns.
Ochocinco seems to have left the personality that made him the most influential person on Twitter in Cincinnati, after tweeting that he was ‘landing in heaven’ upon arriving in Foxboro.
Upon discovering the departure of the six-time Pro Bowl receiver most fans wanted to say “Child Please!” referring to one of his most popular catch phrases. But the reality of the deal has quickly hit close to heart.
From bribing refs during the game, to riverdancing after scoring touchdowns, no matter what Ochocinco was always entertaining. His on the field antics always kept NFL fans talking.
Recently his off the field activities were keeping fans entertained. Ochocinco during the NFL lockout this offseason went as far as bull riding and Nascar racing. He also went as far as trying out soccer as an alternative sport to football, making the Kansas City Sporting reserve team.
No matter how crazy his antics were, he still was the best Bengal by far. Other players, such as Chris Henry, Cedric Benson and Adam Jones all prolific and controversial in their own right, were arrested numerous times. How many times was Ochocinco arrested? Zero. Yet, the Bengals owner Paul Brown insisted on trading the star wide-out.
So, this one is for you Paul Brown, here’s to the number one overall pick…in the 2012 draft.