There are few athletes whose trash talking can be a pleasure to listen to. Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson has one of those tireless big mouths that will tackle any subject anytime and anywhere. Thankfully, his diatribes are usually injected with a touch of humor and his words always reflect a genuine passion for the game of football. He publicly calls out players and instantly defends himself when criticism comes his way. When his own cousin, Keyshawn Johnson, expressed disappointment with Chad’s persona when the two sat down for an interview, Ocho Cinco stood his ground. In short, he’s never been known for mincing words, but he has talent to back them up.

If a career in football hadn’t panned out, Ocho Cinco could have found himself some easy work in public relations. He’s successfully turned himself into a business, marketing his flamboyant character in creative ways. During the 2005 season, Ocho Cinco created a checklist, entitled Who Covered 85 in ’05, which acclaimed the defensive backs that successfully covered him. As a result, in 2007, Degree and Yahoo! created an online version of the checklist, available for viewing at TrashTalk85.com.

Love him or hate him, it’s virtually impossible to ignore this five-time pro bowler. Now in his eighth season, Ocho Cinco has sported a gilded grill, diamond earrings, a bleached blonde mohawk, and just recently, a Bengals jersey with “Ocho Cinco” on the nameplate. (For this latest stunt, the League fined him $5K.)

However, none of these actions have sparked more ire than Ocho Cinco’s elaborate touchdown celebrations, for which he has also been fined.

Given his already productive career, Ocho Cinco is lucky to even be playing football. Growing up, he repeatedly fared poorly in school. His biggest role model was his grandmother, Bessie Flowers, and she urged Johnson to pursue football as an outlet. Unfortunately, due to his academic performance, Johnson was not qualified for Division One schools. He attempted to play for Langston University in Oklahoma, but was immediately expelled for fighting. Shortly after, he was charged for domestic violence in a dispute with his then-girlfriend. Thankfully, he found refuge in the football program at Santa Monica Community College. It was there that he met coach Charles Collins. For two seasons, Collins mentored Johnson, employing a “no tolerance” policy against any of Chad’s future transgressions. Collins’ strategy worked, and Johnson was later recruited by Oregon State University, where he continued to improve his game.

Preferring not to play his senior season, in 2001, Chad Johnson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2nd round (36th overall). Since then, Johnson has become quite the star, breaking a few NFL and Bengals’ franchise records along the way. In 2006, he became the only NFL player ever to win a fourth consecutive conference receiving yards title. During the next year, Ocho Cinco moved into the all-time Bengals receiving yards lead, ahead of Isaac Curtis (7,101). He finished that year with 8,365 career total yards.

Undoubtedly, Ocho Cinco has become a significant asset, one that could help any team win a Super Bowl. After a tedious offseason dispute, that team will continue to be the Bengals—at least through 2011. Either way, regardless of what team he’s on or what the name is on the back of his uniform, Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson is someone you’ll be hearing about.

“Ocho Cinco” on the Web

Johnson’s Official Site
His own website with a bio, photos, and his blog.

Cincinnati Bengals: Official player page for Johnson
Team’s official page; contains short bio, stats, and links to recent video highlights.

Chad Johnson’s Touchdown Celebration Showdown
Site where fans can submit their own touchdown dances.

Latest on “Ocho Cinco”

After legally changing his surname to “Ocho Cinco,” Chad and the Bengals have gotten off to a rough start this season. But he’s poised to have another great year, looking forward to his sixth straight Pro Bowl appearance.

News and Commentary

SportsIllustrated.com: Bengals’ Chad legally adopts ‘Ocho Cinco’ as last name
The final step in becoming “Ocho Cinco.”

ESPN.com: Chad Johnson to cough up 5K for ‘Ocho Cinco’ Stunt
Wearing “Ocho Cinco” on the back of his jersey has its consequences.

FanIQ.com: Chad Johnson’s next end zone dance to have corporate sponsorship
How his celebrations will help a charity.

FOXsport.com: Johnson may have learned a painful lesson
“Ocho Cinco” gets serious about his injuries and his team’s poor play.

“Ocho Cinco” Says

On the media

“I was labeled selfish and a cancer, and it hurt. Fingers were pointed at me this year. If the team and the organization wants to further itself, I think you need to get rid of the problem. It hurt me. To do me that way and not to have my back. Things were said, and nobody came to my defense.”

On the 2008 Season

“Of course, I’m going to have fun. I’m going to do things within the rules. I’m not going to be a distraction to my team or my teammates. You know, I’m going to make the game interesting, week in and week out.”

On Michael Phelps

“Where I’m from, Liberty City, I know a couple people that can beat Michael Phelps right now. Seriously, I’m telling you, and I’m one of them.”