In today's edition of Around the AFC North, we take a look at Chad Ochocinco talking about his rumored name change, Hines Ward getting ready to be featured on television, and the Ravens' Tom Zbikowski getting ready to fight, literally.
Cincinnati Bengals: Ochocinco Keeping His Fancy Name
Earlier in the offseason, Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco stated that he was probably going to change his name back to Chad Johnson. Apparently that was just a rouse to piss off ESPN or something:
"Why would I mess up the brand? I can’t mess up the brand. I have so much going on. … I [said] that to piss off the people at ESPN."
(sigh) I remember when it used to be marginally fun to listen to this guy or anticipate what he was going to do next. I'm thinking more and more that Carson Palmer doesn't want to be in Cincinnati because of this guy.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Hines Ward to Appear on Dancing With the Stars
Starting March 21, Hines Ward will be the latest NFL player to be a contestant on Dancing With the Stars. I never watched the show to begin with, and Ward's stupid smile isn't going to get me to watch.
Baltimore Ravens: Tom Zbikowski to Fight
Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski, who boxed professionally in 2006, plans to return to the profession (at least temporarily) if the lockout occurs:
If there is no deal, Zbikowski will fight a four-round bout as a cruiserweight on March 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on the televised undercard of the Showtime PPV card headlined by junior middleweight titleholder Miguel Cotto's first defense against Ricardo Mayorga.
The next thing we know, Joe Thomas will be a contestant on The Apprentice or something.