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Bengals’ Ochocinco focuses on legacy and championship
CINCINNATI — Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has become one of the more interesting players in the NFL. So it isn’t surprising that everything he does gets magnified, whether of his own volition or not.
Ochocinco caught grief recently from nearly everyone for his non-participation in Bengals OTAs. The team’s Mr. Bojangles was off doing his own thing on the television series Dancing With the Stars. Despite having the bosses’ blessing, Ochocinco’s absence from his teammates made headlines.
The receiver addressed the matter during the team’s recent minicamp.
“People question when I’m not here, but I’m never here during OTAs,” Ochocinco said. “I’m off doing what I need to do so when I do come back, I can put everybody else in the comfort zone. You know I’m going to be right. I do the necessary things in the offseason to make sure of that. I make everybody’s job, including the person calling the plays, easier.”
Ochocinco went on to say that he understands why his presence was necessary in OTAs in order to gel with the offense. In the same breath, he said it would only take one week for him and Carson Palmer to get on the same page.
Could doing the paso doble, rumba and samba actually help the multitalented receiver perfect his game? Ochocinco thinks so.
“I believe the dancing is going to help my game at some point,” he said. “It worked different muscles in my body that I never worked before. I put in 10-hour days and that’s training. I will be training with boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Vegas leading up to training camp. So I train all the time. When the whistle blows in September, I will be on my game.”
Ochocinco has been on top of his game for nine seasons with the Bengals. He is the team’s all-time leader in receptions (684) and receiving yards (9952). Ochocinco is among the top 10 active receivers in career receiving yards. His goal this season is to further establish his football legacy.
“I believe I have evolved in a good way over the years,” Ochocinco said. “I have always done things the right way on and off the field. On the field, I might do it a little different than most people would like, but I get the job done. By no means am I perfect, but I continue to strive for perfection. I want to be one of the best and do everything necessary to be that way.”
There is no denying the player’s productivity and commitment to the game. He’s done a fine job marketing himself and representing the organization. But like a meteor floating aimlessly through space, many often wonder where his head is in terms of team.
“It’s not about me,” Ochocinco said. “We all have individual goals but football is a team sport. I know I can’t do it alone and it takes a team effort to win a championship. That’s my focus. I want us to get back to the dominating offense we were in 2005 and ’06. Somewhat like the Saints were last year but still being effective in the run game with Ced (Benson). It’s all going to come together this year. It’s going to be an interesting season for us because we’re hungry.”
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Comments
By Tim
June 23, 2010 8:11 AM | Link to this
Rockin’ piece, C! Go Steelers!
By BuckFan3
June 23, 2010 10:25 AM | Link to this
It’s pretty sad that the only thing a Squeelers fan has to do, is post something on a Bengals blog. No news from There any more unless it’s from the police blotter. Funny how things change. Go Bengals!
By AFC North Champs (again)
June 23, 2010 10:44 AM | Link to this
Top 10 among active receivers, that’s impressive!!
By samson
June 23, 2010 8:18 PM | Link to this
At least Ocho is not out at night clubs, sexually harassing women. Oh wait, that would be the steelers QB, Ben Worthlessberger!
By michelle
June 24, 2010 11:32 AM | Link to this
Whodey baby…..who cares the the Pissburgh fans say!!!
By dale1
July 14, 2010 6:52 AM | Link to this
The Bengals will shut up the Steeler fan they take the division agian this year. I agree that it is pathetic for a jealous steeler’s fan to Blog on a Bengals article. I never go to a local Pittsburg paper to trash the Steelers.