In 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals began a team Hall of Fame called the Ring of Honor. Season ticket members and suite holders vote annually on who should become inducted into the club. NFL Hall of Fame members are automatically included. As of this year, Ken Anderson, Willie Anderson, Paul Brown, Isaac Curtis, Anthony Muñoz and Ken Riley are current inductees. For 2023, 13 nominees are on the ballot to have their name displayed in Paycor Stadium alongside the other Bengals greats.
Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson is one of the nominees on the ’23 ballot. Chad played 10 years with the Bengals from 2001-2010. Ochocinco was a six-time Pro Bowler. He is the Bengals’ career leader in receptions (751), receiving yards (10,783) and receiving touchdowns (66). He is not far behind in two other Bengals categories, as he is second in 100-yard receiving games (31) and second all-time in total touchdowns (66). Add in four All-Pro team selections to the number one receiver in Bengals’ history. Chad last played NFL football in 2011 for the New England Patriots.
85 Staying in Shape
Chad finds ways to stay relevant since his NFL career ended. He has used his athleticism in a multitude of sports since football. He signed with the National Premier Soccer League and the United Premier Soccer League and added soccer goals to his portfolio.
Chad then turned to boxing, as a bunch of former NFL players have found their way into the ring. He fought in the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul event in 2021. He lasted four rounds in his boxing debut. Other boxing matches featuring NFL players had Le’Veon Bell knocking out Adrian Peterson. Mark Gastineau had his boxing career ended by Alonzo Highsmith. According to Ochocinco’s twitter account he is constantly training as he awaits another opponent. Chad is reaching high after only one fight, looking to take on the top of the boxing world.
In other career adventures, Chad wiggled his way to the top four of Dancing with the Stars which can be attributed to his end zone celebrations. This man is very competitive and is no stranger to success. There is no reason why number 85 should not get enough votes to dance his way into the Bengals’ Hall of Fame. We will find out on September 29th when the ceremony takes place during halftime of the game against the Miami Dolphins.
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