Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco is going to the Pro Bowl.
Although the Bengals didn’t have a single Pro Bowler when the rosters were first announced (making them the first division winner since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger not to have anyone make the Pro Bowl), Ochocinco will be going as an injury replacement. Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker will not play because of the knee injury he suffered in the regular-season finale, and first alternate Randy Moss also won’t play because of an injury. Ochocinco is next on the list.
Ochocinco dismissed the significance of the Pro Bowl when the rosters were announced, but he said today that he’s thrilled to be going.
“This is extremely great news,” Ochocinco said. “I appreciate the recognition of the body of work I put in this season. But please let me share with my teammates. Cedric Benson -- none of it would have happened without him. And Carson [Palmer] and my offensive line and everybody. I love you all.”
This is Ochocinco’s sixth Pro Bowl selection.