Births on January 9

Chad Johnson, American football player and actor

Chad Javon Johnson, widely recognized by his professional moniker Chad Ochocinco Johnson, born on January 9, 1978, is a distinguished former American football wide receiver. His unique professional name, "Chad Ochocinco," which he legally adopted from 2008 to 2012, was a creative tribute to his jersey number 85. "Ochocinco" is the Spanish translation for "eight-five," a flamboyant expression of his identity on the field.

Johnson's journey in football began at the collegiate level, where he honed his skills first at Santa Monica College, a prominent junior college, before transferring to Oregon State University. His impressive performances for the Beavers caught the attention of professional scouts, setting the stage for his National Football League (NFL) career.

Spanning 11 impactful seasons in the NFL, Johnson left an indelible mark primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals, and later had stints with the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. His professional career officially commenced when he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the highly anticipated 2001 NFL Draft, a testament to his potential as a dynamic offensive weapon.

His tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals, lasting a remarkable 10 seasons, was the cornerstone of his NFL career. During this period, Johnson established himself as one of the league's most electrifying and productive wide receivers of the 2000s. He consistently demonstrated exceptional route-running, reliable hands, and an ability to make game-changing plays, cementing his status as a fan favorite and a formidable opponent.

Legacy with the Cincinnati Bengals

• Franchise Record Holder: Chad Johnson holds numerous significant Cincinnati Bengals receiving records, underscoring his unparalleled impact on the team's offense. These include:
  • Most career receiving yards (10,783)
  • Most career receptions (751)
  • Most career receiving touchdowns (66)
  • Most 1,000-yard receiving seasons (7), a testament to his consistent elite performance.
• Prolific Performer: He led the AFC in receiving yards multiple times and was consistently among the league leaders in various receiving categories, showcasing his dominance throughout his prime.

In 2011, a significant chapter in Johnson's career unfolded when he was traded from the Bengals to the New England Patriots. This move was largely seen as an opportunity for Johnson to pursue a Super Bowl championship with a perennial contender. With the Patriots, he contributed to their impressive run to Super Bowl XLVI, where they ultimately faced and were defeated by the New York Giants in a closely contested game, 21-17.

His time with the Miami Dolphins in 2012 was brief and unfortunately cut short. Although he participated in the preseason, Johnson was released from the team prior to the regular season following his arrest on domestic violence charges. This incident effectively marked the end of his NFL playing career.

Despite his departure from the NFL, Chad Johnson's passion for football endured. He extended his professional playing career internationally, joining the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, showcasing his skills in a different professional league. Later, in 2017, he played a single game for the Monterrey Fundidores, a team in Mexico's Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA), further demonstrating his enduring love for the game and desire to compete.

Accolades and Influence

• NFL Pro Bowler: Johnson earned six selections to the NFL Pro Bowl (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009), recognizing him as one of the premier wide receivers in the league during his era.
• All-Pro Selections: He was named to four All-Pro teams, signifying his recognition as one of the absolute best players at his position across the entire NFL. This included a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2005, and Second-Team selections in 2003, 2004, and 2006.
• Bengals 40th Anniversary Team: His profound impact on the franchise was further solidified when he was voted as the number one wide receiver on the Cincinnati Bengals 40th Anniversary team, an honor that places him among the greatest players in team history.
• Social Media Pioneer: Beyond the field, Chad Johnson was a trailblazer in athlete-fan engagement. In April 2011, CNBC recognized his foresight and influence by listing him as number 1 on its list of "Most Influential Athletes In Social Media." He actively engaged with fans, sharing personal insights and behind-the-scenes content, long before it became a widespread practice among professional athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chad Ochocinco Johnson

Why did Chad Johnson change his name to Chad Ochocinco?

Chad Johnson legally changed his name to Chad Ochocinco in 2008 to reflect his jersey number, 85. "Ochocinco" is the Spanish translation for "eight-five," a distinctive way he chose to express his identity and flair on the field.

Which NFL teams did Chad Johnson play for?

Chad Johnson played the majority of his 11-season NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals (2001-2010). He then had brief tenures with the New England Patriots (2011) and the Miami Dolphins (2012 preseason).

What are some of Chad Ochocinco's major career achievements?

Chad Ochocinco was a six-time NFL Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro selection, including a First-Team All-Pro nod in 2005. He holds multiple Cincinnati Bengals franchise receiving records, including career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was also recognized for his pioneering role in social media among athletes.

Did Chad Ochocinco play in a Super Bowl?

Yes, Chad Ochocinco played in Super Bowl XLVI with the New England Patriots at the end of the 2011 NFL season. The Patriots, however, lost to the New York Giants in that championship game.