NO BULL: Falcons could reunite Bratkowski, Ochocinco
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco attempts to ride a bull named Deja Blu during an intermission at the Professional Bull Riders' Lucas Oil Invitation bull riding event in Duluth, Ga., Saturday, May 14, 2011. (By John Bazemore, Associated Press)
The Falcons could have the inside track to land six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Ochocinco if he becomes a free agent.
He’s currently under contract to the Cincinnati Bengals, but they could release him when the lockout is lifted.
The Falcons hired Bob Bratkowski, the Bengals former offensive coordinator, to be their new quarterbacks coach in February.
According to Ochocinco, Bratkowski has been a longtime supporter.
Former Cincinnati offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski is the Falcons new quarterbacks coach. (Associated Press)
“Coach Bratkowski is the reason why I’m with the Bengals,” Ochocinco said after riding a bull at the Gwinnett Arena on Saturday. “He was my coach at the Senior Bowl when I was coming out. He went to bat for me. They weren’t going to take me. But from what he saw at the Senior Bowl before the draft is the reason why he stood on the table for me and that’s why they drafted me.”
Ochocinco would not say if he wants to become a Falcon if, as has been widely speculated, his days in Cincinnati are indeed numbered.
“It’s a lockout, man,” Ochocinco said. “I’m riding bulls. I don’t want to talk about football.”
Ochocinco nearly had his legs stomped on by a 1,500-pound bull named Deja Blu. However, he didn’t consider riding the bull as a risky proposition.
“Every down is a risk to my career,” Ochocinco said. “Every time that I wake up in the morning, it’s a risk to life in general. I don’t live life like that. One of the things about me is that I’m extremely interesting. I’m unpredictable and I am willing to do anything. If God said it was OK to ride, which he did, he said ‘I got you.’ I went out there and rode.”
If Ochocinco stayed on the bull for eight seconds he was going to rename he bull “Marvin Lewis.” That probably would not have gone over well with Falcons coach Mike Smith, who is friends with Lewis.
“I’m sure my coaches were probably pissed,” Ochocinco said. “I would be too. I’m sure the NFL was pissed, but I don’t follow their rules anyway.”
His bull riding days are over.
“Yeah, that’s it,” Ochocinco said. “One and done.”
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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187 comments Add your comment
FalconUGAFan
May 17th, 2011
5:25 am
Doesn’t seem to fit the personality mold that the Falcons look for, so it would be a surprise. But who knows…
Falcon James
May 17th, 2011
5:32 am
As intriguing as it is that he may be available. This cat is way too big a risk. We just drafted a play maker, who in my opinion, probably would not decide to ride a bull if he knew his legs were his only means to make a living. Pretty sure the Falcon know this too. Anyway, nice publicity stunt. Now get your head out of the bulls butt.
Singletary
May 17th, 2011
5:50 am
Please, TD, stop this meaningless speculation now. This is worse than the birther AND deather movements (think recent successful military intervention in Pakistan) insofar as ripping asunder the team. You got your Julio Jones with a lot of picks. That is enough on offense until we bolster the D. Respectively signed, A Fan
Steve
May 17th, 2011
5:57 am
The Falcons certainly don’t need that head ache besides, if they sign him what was the purpose of moving up so far to take JJ???
Fin
May 17th, 2011
6:02 am
I don’t know guys, let’s sit and think about this. As flamboyant as Chad is off the field, you can’t dismiss his hard work. He is wild, but you have NEVER heard a coach, teammate, etc say he doesn’t work his butt off. As good as Roddy has been, Chad could possibly teach him, HD and Julio some tricks of the trade. Let’s not write this off so fast
StatesBurr
May 17th, 2011
6:08 am
Usual stuff… man o man.
TommyP
May 17th, 2011
6:15 am
Give me a break. The Falcons aren’t even going to THINK about bringing in Ochocinco.
NOOOOOO
May 17th, 2011
6:19 am
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
robert
May 17th, 2011
6:23 am
no way
robert
May 17th, 2011
6:24 am
april first was last month man. good joke. chad JOHNSON wont ever be a falcon.
Ellabell 1
May 17th, 2011
6:26 am
Great player with a “me” attitude. Falcons don’t need this bad apple.
Maurice
May 17th, 2011
6:28 am
Enter your comments here
tom
May 17th, 2011
6:34 am
not happening!
Charles
May 17th, 2011
6:38 am
Please, dear God NO! It goes against everything this team and its success is all about.
Maurice
May 17th, 2011
6:40 am
Chad Johnson made Palmer who he is. Then Palmer became irrelevant by blasting Chad Johnson. Wide receivers have been divas since the beginning of time. I remember once when most people on this site were blasting Roddy White for supporting MV. Now he’s everyone’s best friend! Hey, I like Roddy and MV, but I’ve always liked them. If they both worked as hard as they do now, we wouldn’t have had to worry about dogfighting or drafting Matt Ryan. It’s the past. Sure Chad has been a clown this off season, but he’s the only one pushing the envelope to get the league to notice that they ( the players) can do what ever they want and the owners can’t do a thing about it. Lift the lockout and he wouldn’t have to ride bulls, play soccer, or climb Mt. Everest. Sorry the mountain climbing is my idea. I think they, the players and coaches, should all go on a mountain climbing expedition and see how quickly the owners lift the lockout. It’s a shot in the dark, but it has better lighting than fighting over billions of dollars when most of them are millionaires.
Larry
May 17th, 2011
6:48 am
Mr. Ledbetter,
I have have to know…are you serious?
There is absolutely nothing about this illiterate, self-absorbed, self-centered, arrogant buffoon that would interest the Falcons, they just traded their first born for Jones, every remaining available dollar needs to go toward the defense, and Chad (I refuse to acknowledge his stupid nick-name) is in the beginning stages of regressing as a WR.
Please make me feel better by admitting that you’d just downed a few shots before writing this and what you typed came from the alcohol and not your brain?
NOOOOOO
May 17th, 2011
6:50 am
Most of them are NOT millionaires.
Great Falconi
May 17th, 2011
6:56 am
This ain’t happening !
How about free agent & Georgia native Ronnie Brown ?
Jim
May 17th, 2011
6:57 am
Just say `NO`!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sam The Swami
May 17th, 2011
7:16 am
Ocho works hard and would be a great #2 or #3 WR for us, depending on the pace of Julio’s development. Very few WRs enter the league as rookies and contribute.
While Ocho likes the spotlight and has complained about the Bengals, he hasn’t screwed up the locker room or on field chemistry. Heck, Palmer wants out of Cincy just like Ocho does. The place is miserable…terrible owner, terrible coach, terrible city.
I think he’d be a good fit here!
Dan
May 17th, 2011
7:20 am
He had a couple of above average seasons, he is faaarrr from a great player, great talker, but a washed up mediocre receiver
McNasty
May 17th, 2011
7:23 am
Way to go DLED, stirring the pot on something you know will never happen (I guess thats part of your job) unless there is an injury and by then he will have been snapped up. But thanks for the controversy starter, it got everybody hyped up and shows their real side.
AtlantaDude
May 17th, 2011
7:25 am
“One of the things about me is that I’m extremely interesting.”
Says it all
David
May 17th, 2011
7:33 am
In a word—–NO
Section242
May 17th, 2011
7:34 am
One of the worst chemistry guys ever. He is up there with T.O. It is all about Chad not the team. One of the LAST guys the Falcons would want. Fortunately, we have Roddy & Julio and don’t need another receiver.
Lets talk Defensive End when Free Agency starts (hopefully) and sign our 3 OL who are eligible.
John falcondawg
May 17th, 2011
7:37 am
Please do not let this happen a big fan since day one would be gone
jlew
May 17th, 2011
7:39 am
great #3 for the falcons roddy #1 julio #2 ocho#3 u betta hav a good secondary
truth
May 17th, 2011
7:40 am
Yes,
He can be the 2nd WR while Julio matures. and if he works hard why not?
no WR is good in his 1st season.
jlew
May 17th, 2011
7:41 am
stop jgbirds giv it a chance
Let's Go
May 17th, 2011
7:41 am
Why not sign him if he’s available. 1 year deal and he could provide a spark in 3 receiver sets. The guy may be a headache to mangement but for one year he could help this team out and would probably be a model teammate since he would be playing for a long term deal after that.
Jgsbirds
May 17th, 2011
7:41 am
hahahahahahahaha–no way in the world would they bring in this cat. no way!
Big Dawg
May 17th, 2011
7:53 am
No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No and No
The Rock
May 17th, 2011
7:56 am
The Rock says not no but Hell NO!!!!!!!!
Old Flatulent Dawg
May 17th, 2011
7:58 am
Lord No…..Roddy White is half way to being a nut case now…add Chad and watch Roddy blow up from learning from a master nut case.
IceFan
May 17th, 2011
8:04 am
Same answer as when you posed the same question about T.O. last year:
Hell No!
suwaneefalcon
May 17th, 2011
8:05 am
I would rather bring Jerry Rice out of retirement then land this guy. At least Rice would be a great role model for the likes of Julio and Roddy and has the great numbers to go with it. I know Rice will not be here and neither will Ocho. THANK GOD!
The Joker...
May 17th, 2011
8:10 am
WhooHooo!!!!! Let’s bring him in and sign T.O as well, We would be an offensive machine, no need to sign much needed Defensive help, our one and only strategy would be to just outscore our opponents!!!!
Shannon
May 17th, 2011
8:11 am
I second that…..Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Booooooooooooooooooo
Tommy
May 17th, 2011
8:11 am
Thats exactly what the team needs a RAVEN idiot to be a FALCON
Paulitik
May 17th, 2011
8:14 am
So, we get rid of Meier, Douglas, Jenkins or Weems to bring this guy in? Sorry I don’t see it.
HJones
May 17th, 2011
8:15 am
This article makes me question the hiring of Bob Bratkowski.
mountain_jim
May 17th, 2011
8:15 am
DLed just stirring up the pot, and page views…. Nothing to this at all.
smoore54
May 17th, 2011
8:17 am
I like Ochocinco. He is incredibly gifted on the field even if he is a bit of a showboat. If he can get the job done, I have no issues UNLESS Roddy White has issues. If there becomes a personality conflict among WR then I’m Team Roddy. Always.
Tana
May 17th, 2011
8:18 am
I’ll start by saying that this is probably not going to happen given the move we made to get Julio Jones in this year’s draft. You have to assume any money spent on free agency will be spent on th OL and Defense.
However, before the move for Jones, I was always wondering if Johnson was Falcons bound. I follow him on Twitter, and the man loves this city. He works out here, he runs at the Marist School. On days where I’m pretty sure he had a game earlier that day or the day before he was at Falcons home games. He was seen at the Braves game not to long ago. On Twitter he is always in Atlanta doing something.
Character issue? I don’t think Chad Johnson is a diva. I think he is a free spirit. Quite frankly I think he would be a great fit. He would bring some smile to the ever monotonous, robotic offense that is the Falcons. Our organization is a great one, but characteristically they are all very bland from top to bottom, never answering questions, never stepping outside the predetermined circle. The fact is that the man is a career 10,000 yard reciever with 66 TDs whether you think he is bad news or not.
Jackets21
May 17th, 2011
8:18 am
Stupid article by a stupid writer. Everyone knows this team began valuing character after the dog murdering qb incident and coincidentally, the TEAM has advanced exponentially. No way this clown is invited anywhere near this organization, couldn’t hold a position as head cheerleader. Besides, he’s talentless.
I'm Shocked
May 17th, 2011
8:20 am
Oh yea !!!! Just what the Faconn’s need, another DUMB MASS, I’m sure the law enforcement crowd is gonna be happy about this. Hey Mike Smith, why don’t u just go on down to the Atlanta Penn and check out the talent there– Go Falcons, this is the exact reason why I would NEVER, EVER, spend a dime on them.
mrzizzle
May 17th, 2011
8:21 am
I guarantee Ocho-oh no will never be a falcon
Sanjeev
May 17th, 2011
8:22 am
Slow news day? Arthur Blank won’t sign him. Moot point.
Atl fan
May 17th, 2011
8:27 am
I’m sure my coaches were probably pissed,” Ochocinco said. “I would be too. I’m sure the NFL was pissed, but I don’t follow their rules anyway.”
- He will not be a Falcon..
RGO67
May 17th, 2011
8:29 am
Sidestepping questions… http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/15/ochocinco-offers-few-clues-about-his-future ?
Regardless of his “Showmanship” you can’t question his Playmaking ability. The New England Patriots acquired Corey Dillon / Randy Moss who were problems but once they were on a team with a chance to win every Sunday they were very productive.
Chad Rider
May 17th, 2011
8:30 am
It does look as if he’s coming. He stated Cincinnati was lacking when it comes to rodeos and Georgia had more to offer. It’s time to take the bull by the horns. Atlanta has offered him the # 85 by the way. Ridem’ Ocho!
Iceman
May 17th, 2011
8:31 am
Please God in Heaven…NO. No freakin way.
Notso Fast
May 17th, 2011
8:31 am
We are going to give up what we gave up to get Jones so we could spend more big dollars to bring in this guy that does not fit into the Falcon’s way. I don’t think so. If we are going to try and make news then lets do it on defense.
rudy
May 17th, 2011
8:32 am
i rather keep the lockout than have him on our team……
ATL Fan
May 17th, 2011
8:37 am
I’d rather we get the bull Deja Blu than the the bull crap Chad (I don’t know spanish) Johnson.
UGABugKiller
May 17th, 2011
8:43 am
Even though blog posts like this are nothing but shameless attempts to drum up page views (yeah, DOL, I said it… hahaha)…
… posts like this do have ONE purpose:
They further help us separate the MORONS on this blog from the rational-thinking people.
ANYONE who defends Chad Johnson, or who wants him on the Falcons is a MORON.
Everyone should point and laugh at these people, for they are too stupid to live.
dean
May 17th, 2011
8:47 am
Tana made me ask myself, “He11, why not?” (I’ve said nooooooooo to this before.) Coach Smith sits him down, ’splains the do’s and dont’s, and gives it a shot. If he pulls a Moss act, Coach Smith does a Belichek (sp?) act and sends him on down the road. I think it could be fun.
Rick
May 17th, 2011
8:48 am
Enter your comments here
OH He!! NO.
J
May 17th, 2011
8:49 am
For the love of god Betwetter WE DO NOT WANT OCHOCINO. GIVE IT UP!
BirdDirty
May 17th, 2011
8:50 am
Can Chad play defensive end? If he can get us 8 sacks opposite Abraham, I say sign him up.
Texas2steps
May 17th, 2011
8:52 am
No !
coachx
May 17th, 2011
8:54 am
NOOOOOOOO !
No Ochocinco’s need apply here !
SawThat1nce
May 17th, 2011
8:54 am
That picture has Ocho doing what he seems to do a lot of……showing his a$$.
Everyone knows, there is no chance of him ever playing for the Falcons.
Larry
May 17th, 2011
8:54 am
By suggesting this DOL is not “stirring the pot”…rather he must be smoking the pot!
ddawgdavis
May 17th, 2011
8:57 am
Hey, times are tough on the Falcons Blog front. Only so many volunteer player camps and run-in’s at the local Chick-fil-a to report on. Why not have a little fun with the #85? He’s good for the game, kind of fallen off over the past few years, but good for a FUN SPORT. Stir the pot DOL, next let’s do a report on DEs who are available or could be. I recommend how we plan on digging up the corpse of Reggie White to play opposite of JA55? What?
SawThat1nce
May 17th, 2011
8:58 am
Heck, Ocho might be too old to play, by the time the lockout ends.
SawThat1nce
May 17th, 2011
8:59 am
I think that Ocho would be a great fit, for the saints.
Andy
May 17th, 2011
9:01 am
I sincerely hope you wrote this to stir the pot. If you did, bravo sir, it worked.
This would make absolutely zero football sense. Roddy, Julio and Weems clearly have three of the five WR spots next year, and if anyone thinks we should sign Chad when we’ve got three guys competing for the other two spots, they’re crazy. We’re set at WR.
Atlanta fans=clueless
May 17th, 2011
9:04 am
GET HIM!!! He is at least interesting and is a proven WR. Why are so many people afraid of sports figures that speak up? Falcons have 0 championships and this could help them get over the hump.
ROD
May 17th, 2011
9:08 am
Yes, yes, yes!!!! This exactly what the Falcons need. I say bring in T.O. also. The Falcons need a player with that competitive spirit. They have tried to stay way from the quote on quote negative player, but I still do not see a Superbowl ring. I think the Chicago Bulls and Pistons won Championships with Dennis Rodman. So get over it Atlanta, not only they should consider Chad, but T.O. also. But who cares who they bring in, because we still have a quarterback that’s throws interceptions. YES TO CHAD, T.O., AND Nnamdi!!! Please go after Nnamdi!!!
BigGA_BirdDawgFan
May 17th, 2011
9:19 am
Big Dawg
May 17th, 2011
7:53 am
No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No and No
AMEN!!!!!
DHD
May 17th, 2011
9:20 am
Another slow day for the AJC.
AlanFalcon
May 17th, 2011
9:22 am
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !
HE MY BABY DADDY
May 17th, 2011
9:25 am
THE ODDS OF HIM BEING A FALCON ARE AS GOOD AS AS THE ODDS THAT OBAMA’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS LEGIT!!!!
falconfanriseup
May 17th, 2011
9:28 am
Don’t even entertain the thought Chad is not coming to Atlanta. Why this is why Roddy White, Julio Jones, Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas, Eric Weems, Keiry Meier and what ever Undrafted free agents that is out there they already no room for him and we might to trade Jenkins so this will not be intertained it is almost laughable.
How stupid
May 17th, 2011
9:28 am
DLed …. Why do you pull such stories out of your arse ?
There’s no news here, as the Falcons would never bring in a Chad Johnson, no matter what Bratkowski says about him. Hell Bratkowski, could get on his knees and beg, or roll around on the floor and throw a temper tantrum like a little girl.
If the Falcons wanted loud mouthed under producing players they could have just kept D Hall. They’ve demonstrated this is NOT the kind of player they want on the team.
Besides the fact we just made a fairly significant trade for Julio Jones, a player that has just as much talent as CJ, but has far more class, and appears to be the anti-diva at the position.
If Johnson was a premier DE, or CB, they might take a look. Seeing as how he’s a WR where our cupboard is pretty full, there’s absolutely zero chance he lands in Atlanta.
waynester
May 17th, 2011
9:29 am
WHY?
A couple of posters have hit it already—who do we cut to make room for this guy? Barring injury, we’re set at WR…..
Jt
May 17th, 2011
9:32 am
Orlando…. do you just write articles on impulse or do actually think of meaningless subjects to talk about.
Team Dream
May 17th, 2011
9:35 am
Exhibit ‘A’ = what Julius Peppers did to the Carolina Panthers: HUGE salary that hamstrung the team for 2-3 years with NO on the field results other than laziness and bling-bling and drama. Move to Hollywood Chad … clearly that’s where your heart is at this point.
the truth...
May 17th, 2011
9:35 am
Give me a break… he was riding a bull and he fits with what comes out of that animal. . . . . . .A pile
BigGA_BirdDawgFan
May 17th, 2011
9:37 am
Aside from the fact that he acts more self-absorbed and self-centered than MEangelo Hall, (and we all remember how well that crap went over here,) I really don’t think he is very smart. I base that on his actions. He just put his entire remaining career at serious risk riding a PBR type bull for a grand reward of 10K and a P/U truck. If that bull had landed on his legs, as it almost did, he would be out of the game for a season at least and possibly forever. Not smart.
But the dumbest thing is the name thing. He changed his name to his jersey number, or so he thought. Actually he only got close.
Jersey number 85.
Pronounced “eightyfive.”
Spanish for eightyfive is “ochenta y cinco” NOT “ochocinco.”
Ochocinco is not a spanish word. It is TWO spanish words meaning “eight” and “five” jammed together by a not very smart goof. All he had to do was punch it into Babel Fish to find this out–before he had his name changed.
DOL, I know you are desperate for subject matter during this lull in NFL happenings but this article is really reaching. NO ONE can image Arthur Blank bringing such a disruptive personality into the Falcons clubhouse, especially after the trade up for Jones.
How about an article on why your picture makes you look like you are sneering at us. Carvell’s does too. Is that indicative of a general new picture policy at the AJC?
Love the Bow-Ties though.
DC
May 17th, 2011
9:37 am
so he is going to be playing for the falcons “he my baby daddy”?
Casey
May 17th, 2011
9:39 am
Can he play defense?
Dennis
May 17th, 2011
9:44 am
NO! NO! NO!
mgdawg
May 17th, 2011
9:45 am
If we could get him for nothing, then yes go after, by nothing I mean giving him the pay of a number 3-4 receiver. However, this is not going to happen. He would want way more money then that and after trading away everything they did for julio, and when they can talk contracts having to pay him as a 6 overall pick, there isn’t any money left in the WR bank account. It ain’t going to happen, I’ve got to think any big free agent pick up will be on the defensive side of the ball.
usbummer
May 17th, 2011
9:46 am
How about signing him and then trading him for some of the lost draft picks we surrendered to get JJ?
enz
May 17th, 2011
9:48 am
crappy attitude, diminished skills…
stop speculating.
Thanks. K bye.
Terrell
May 17th, 2011
9:49 am
Here’s what I don’t get about these “Holier than Thou” fans. chad has never gotten in trouble with the law, he has never caused a stir in the locker room to put players against each other, but somehow he has bad character? I hope you all aren’t this uptight at your jobs. The best WRs all had a diva behavior. Ask Steve Young about Jerry Rice and how he always wanted the ball and got mad when he didn’t get it. Ask Troy Aikman about Michael Irvin. Ask Peyton Manning about Marvin Harrison.
DC
May 17th, 2011
9:49 am
I thought we were going to trade Jenkins for draft picks?…plus his contract is asking too much for a 3rd strink Wide out..
buzzer
May 17th, 2011
9:55 am
Jenkins is better in ALL aspects than Chad. Hes just all talk and a no show. His time is OVA! Can’t we get Sidney Rice instead? At least he can catch it.
Terrell
May 17th, 2011
9:56 am
BigGA_BirdDawgFan
Since you’re so quick to talk about how smart somebody is: Chad knows the that Ochocinco is not “85″ but he knew that the majority of America would know what he was talking about if he did what he did as opposed to using the actual number. You can call him dumb, but he’s enjoying life. While we may not agree with everything that he does is he out on the streets selling drugs or doing some other crime?
Johnny Beach
May 17th, 2011
9:56 am
Ochocinco = trouble……………..NO THANKS
QB/DB
May 17th, 2011
10:09 am
Need to spend$$ on DE, LB, S, back-up Corner and OFF. Linemen more, Then I might look at it
gran pila 19
May 17th, 2011
10:10 am
OH GOD NO! He is a giant distraction and would at best be the 4th receiver behind Roddy White, Julio Jones and Michael Jenkins.
GIVE ME A BREAK
May 17th, 2011
10:17 am
Nothing to write about, Orlando?
T.Oh...no!
May 17th, 2011
10:22 am
Ocho-cinco is legit, I can vouch for him! Oh wait….
T.Oh...no!
May 17th, 2011
10:24 am
Ocho-cinco a distraction? He would distract everyone from that butt whipping that the Packers gave the Falcons last year, in the Dome! Make him a corner, he knows the routes.
kong
May 17th, 2011
10:27 am
No, please….this guy’s trouble big time, didn’t look so hot last year.
Greg Mendel
May 17th, 2011
10:30 am
Breaking News: ESPN reports that the Atlanta Falcons are interested in signing free agent Donald Trump in a move to upgrade their defense. No specific position was mentioned for the celebrity real estate magnate. An unnamed team official stated that Trump could be used as a DE or “he could just stand around and get in the way.”
WhiteShoes
May 17th, 2011
10:31 am
…….but I don’t follow their rules anyway.”
Pretty much says it all about Ocho-No-Catch-O. Falcons, do yourselves a favor, don’t bring in this distraction.
Jay Dubu
May 17th, 2011
10:31 am
Dear Mr. Blank,
Please do not go anywhere near Chad 85. The Falcons do not need a side show to accompany their football team.
Signed,
Falcon Fan
Roger
May 17th, 2011
10:33 am
Hey, I say if the price is right, hes a good teacher for JJ and the entire WR corp…He does work hard, doesnt make problems in the locker room….He can also help on offense…..sure he is a showboat and a problem for PR but I dont think he causes problems for coaches, to other players…Hes NOT a TO…more of a Primetime…with its on problems
Roger
May 17th, 2011
10:33 am
That being said, SURE DE is the priority…get Ocho if hes cheap….but he is not what we need or should worry about at all
jw
May 17th, 2011
10:37 am
If the Falcons want to die a horrible death, then sign this cancerous clown. He is NOT what the Falcons need. No projects on this team please – this goof ball is all about himself – DO NOT SIGN THIS CANCEROUS LESION TO OUR TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kashi
May 17th, 2011
10:37 am
I say go get OCHO if we want to see EXPLOSIVE plays. Bird rule the air, when air gets polluated with double coverage on Ocho and White, we rule the ground. Opponents defensive coordinators will go nutzzz.
Ackshun
May 17th, 2011
10:41 am
So what are you suggesting they take him and convert him to a defensive back? Don’t get me wrong he’s a good player (he’s bat sh*t crazy, but he’s good). But with one of the weakest pass rushes and defensive backfields in the NFL (see the Green Bay playoff game AKA the 2nd “Burning of Atlanta”), why would the Falcons look for another wide out? Last I checked 6 man sets aren’t allowed. Give me something interesting to read. What’s the word on Asomugha? he’s a need player. Are there any killer LBs available? A DL to match Abraham’s intensity and who will be his or Gonzales successor when their bodies have had enough? Will perennial fan favorite and hard-luck case DJ Shockley (who never got a fair shot at QB with this team) be invited to camp this year? With so many compelling questions about this team, why go the bull-riding Mexican hat-dance route? BTW-Knowing the Falcons have passed on both Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, the new QB coach probably had a no “ocho” clause in his contract so this is a none story. Come on DOL, your my BOY!!, it’s a lockout and I am thirsty for some real football news!!
monty
May 17th, 2011
10:43 am
How dumb can you be? You may get released and you’re out risking injury? Don’t think we need someone with that mentality on the Falcons
TheAntiMe
May 17th, 2011
10:44 am
NO BULL: Falcons could reunite Bratkowski, Ochocinco
Also, in further related news:
NO BULL: Donald Trump could go clubbing this coming weekend with Barack Obama
I think that somebody we know should be writing this stuff for TMZ instead of the AJC.
MI falcon fan
May 17th, 2011
10:49 am
You guys are crazy we’re talking about a guy that has bought thousands of tickets for fans just so their games didn’t get blacked out. Sure he’s extravagant but he has never broken up the locker room I personally love ocho cinco and the humor this guy brings to the game it’s what football needs instead of 15 yard excessive celebration penalties that to me is garbage.
No
May 17th, 2011
11:14 am
Too much drama!
DC Dirty Bird
May 17th, 2011
11:15 am
I don’t think it will happen. TD may think it too much of a risk to bring in a personality like Ocho into the locker room with us so close to being perennial contenders. I don’t think he’s a locker room cancer, I just think his personality doesn’t fit our “we’re a collective football machine” approach to winning. On the field, you want Ocho. He sacrifices his body for any ball. He works his butt off in practice and the off season. What people don’t realize is, you don’t talk as much smack as he’s done if you’re not prepared to back it up. I’ll say this, if he’s willing to forgo the novelty celebrations and sanitize his twitter page, I’d take him on our team any day.
Delbert D.
May 17th, 2011
11:16 am
Bull!
Jimmy Crack
May 17th, 2011
11:17 am
Yea, right, and we will sign Randy Moss to be a gunner for special teams. Slow story day.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 17th, 2011
11:17 am
That is a LOT of money to tie up in your wide receivers if the Falcons decide to add 85 to Roddy, Julio, and Michael Jenkins.
StatesBurr
May 17th, 2011
11:18 am
I have said many times….. We get BS from the Falcons beat writer. Why can’t we get a real sports journalist who actually enjoys covering the Falcons…. Too obsessed with other stars…
DC Dirty Bird
May 17th, 2011
11:19 am
Can anyone who is against signing Ochocinco provide a football reason why he’d be a bad addition to our team.
DC Dirty Bird
May 17th, 2011
11:20 am
NDP, great point!
GT GRAD
May 17th, 2011
11:23 am
No
Delbert D.
May 17th, 2011
11:26 am
Would he join the Falcons if the only name available is Uno Niente?
Susan
May 17th, 2011
11:28 am
I will cease to be a Falcon fan if that arrogant, overpaid, smart mouth thug comes to Atlanta!!
HJones
May 17th, 2011
11:29 am
My post was not accepted because I questioned the relevance of this article.
eM
May 17th, 2011
11:30 am
Bring him home TD!!!! Would be fun to watch Roddy, Jones, Johnson, Gonzo on the field at the same time. And throw in Quiz in the back field. Exciting!!
Tony Smith
May 17th, 2011
11:30 am
NO, NO, NO, NO. A THOUSAND TIMES NO. The Falcons don’t need the disruption.
eM
May 17th, 2011
11:33 am
Naaa…….never mind. Leave him home TD.
John
May 17th, 2011
11:37 am
Chad is a good guy, probably one of the better ones in the league. He just has some personality and never gets in trouble. I don’t think his teammates dislike him either.
TheAntiMe
May 17th, 2011
11:38 am
Can anyone who is against signing Ochocinco provide a football reason why he’d be a bad addition to our team.
Well, DC, it’s just a pointless topic of conversation as you have to figure that there is more of a chance that Osama bin Laden is going to rise up out of the sea and be the next president of the US than there is that Chad Ochocinco will be out on the field at the Georgia Dome lining up as WR for the Falcons.
AceDawg
May 17th, 2011
11:52 am
Ochocinco is a bit narcissistic but still somehow a team player. He does put effort out on the field and show up to play. I’m of the opinion he is far superior to a T.O. personality and not necessarily a detriment to a team. If he heads to Atlanta, I trust the coaches have made the right deliberation.
Roddy for MVP
May 17th, 2011
11:54 am
The Falcons don’t need that kind of cancer on their football team. We are loaded at receiver anyway. We need to be focusing on defense particularly in the secondary.
Cajun Crap Talker
May 17th, 2011
11:54 am
Oh please let this be true
retired
May 17th, 2011
11:55 am
to all who blasted D’Led for this article pull the covers up and go back to sleep. Great fun on a slow news day on the football front. And if the bull rider came cheap and could take a low profile he could be a good teacher for Jones. Trade Jenkins for draft picks and resign linemen. Sign a DE and Chad could add a little fun to the equation.
Johnson & Johnson
May 17th, 2011
12:02 pm
I thought he changed his name back to the original.
Van Brocklin
May 17th, 2011
12:09 pm
Chad has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times
and named an All-Pro three times.
Emerald Coast Fan
May 17th, 2011
12:09 pm
You must really be desperate for a rise form the readers. You cover these guys full time and you think this owner, GM, coach combo would actually consider bringing this sideshow to town??? wow
Jimmy Crack
May 17th, 2011
12:13 pm
Joe Horn was a 4x Pro Bowler before we got his husk.
schmeckdawg
May 17th, 2011
12:26 pm
Please God NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Don’t bring that gold toothed jack leg in here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
vafalconfan
May 17th, 2011
12:28 pm
He’s a joke..next question.
matt
May 17th, 2011
12:28 pm
MOss went to the Pats and did just fine. CJ has never had off the field issues and can still be productive. He would be better than alot of 2nd corner backs and definitely better than any 3 corner back. One more weapon and I bet they could get him relatively cheap.
EKII
May 17th, 2011
12:28 pm
A disaster waiting to happen. Say it aint so.
really
May 17th, 2011
12:29 pm
I can’t believe the stuff I’m seeing here. Why are you guys even bringing up law enforcement? He has never had problems with the law, why even go there? Is it because he’s black? The man is clearly intelligent yet you call him illiterate. He speaks his mind so what all of you come here to do that. The only difference is people listen to him
LT
May 17th, 2011
12:30 pm
Would you want to face him twice a year if the other South teams explore, and obtain his services..
get a Life.. this man will help immediately, Jones in still a project…
mattie Ice
May 17th, 2011
12:30 pm
that what wrong with the fALCONS NOW WANT to bring in the good ole player instead of some real football players
alrak
May 17th, 2011
12:35 pm
Ocho – NO NO NO NO NO NO H3LL NO! Falcons don’t do it.
GOFALCONS
May 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
you’re ….dumb
SpeculationJason
May 17th, 2011
12:40 pm
I’m sure he’d LOVE to be in the ATL, the Strip-Club capitol of the U.S.
ugaclassof2004
May 17th, 2011
12:42 pm
Is Chad Johnson really better than what we already have? He’s not better than Roddy( yes, I’ll say that again. HE’S NOT BETTER THAN RODDY), and we’ve already filled voids with Julio Jones. Chad was a decent player 5 years ago, but RIGHT now?? I really don’t think he’d be much better than Michael Jenkins. So I say no on this one.
Matt
May 17th, 2011
12:42 pm
Why is everyone blasting this..Ochocinco would be sick in Atlanta, Roddy, Chad and Julio is an awesome combo. If you disagree with this you are an idiot, and should probably never be allowed to watch a football game again..ever.
Falconboy
May 17th, 2011
12:44 pm
thats the problem with this franchise, we trying too hard to hold on to this squeeky clean image instead of going after playmakers. As for him teaching Roddy the ropes, I think Roddy is beyond that. His stats have been better than ocho in the past 2-3 seasons and is a proven veteran. Ocho would however be a good addition to this offense and would bring some fun to this locker room. He may be flambouyant, but his work ethic and attitude has never been questioned.
BAMA CHIK
May 17th, 2011
12:45 pm
Why would we pay to get him here when he didn’t do s#it last season, and we just spent 5 draft picks to get Julio?? were going to pay some serious money for some free agents, but thats NOT going to include Ochocinco….
gcs
May 17th, 2011
12:58 pm
NO! NO!! NO!!!
The Falcons do not need this jerk screwing with team chemistry.
NO!!!!
.
Jamel
May 17th, 2011
1:03 pm
NO!!! Dont bring in a sideshow to Atlanta, we were just getting respected…
schmeckdawg
May 17th, 2011
1:04 pm
SpeculationJason
May 17th, 2011
12:40 pm
I’m sure he’d LOVE to be in the ATL, the Strip-Club capitol of the U.S.
I’m sure like Pac Man he’d be making it rain!
Section 108
May 17th, 2011
1:07 pm
Go after him if: 1.) The price is right, 2.) a clear understanding of what his role would be (2nd or 3rd WR and co-mentor to Jones) is communicated, and 3.) a clear understanding that if there is even a hint of WR Diva that comes out, he is out the door.
You guys don’t get it – we have several, older, key players on our offense that will be calling it quits after the upcoming season (if there is a season-long lock-out, then it will be this season). Our quest over these last few years to win the SB has got to happen THIS YEAR! After that, we are essentially starting over. Any move to accelerate this quest and keep the other teams guessing, even risky ones, in my eyes is a positive. With MattyIce as QB, Turner the Burner at RB, Gonzo at TE, Roddy at WR1, and #85 at WR2, we would be UNSTOPPABLE! Opposing defenses can pick the poison – defend run or pass. Either we can smoke them all.
The real question is, who/what is going to be brought in to sure up our DL/DE? Is our D-Coordinator/Smitty going to grow a set and start to put some dang pressure packages on the QB? Can our LB corp stop the short to medium pass over the middle?
I still have nightmares about Rodgers passing on us while our DL and LB’s stood there breathing hard, with their hands on their hips, looking around all dazed and confused. Man that was a bad game, the low point of my Falcon Fan Career. Yeah, this WR talk is cool I guess cuz it gets us through the off season, but the concern for all of us should be the defense.
ASHCAN.
May 17th, 2011
1:19 pm
I hear all the negative talk about why ocho shouldn’t be a falcon and thats why this organization never win(Never pick up key veterans).People can talk all the talk about what the falcons accomplished(winning Three str8 season)which is nothing considering being established since 1966.And all you hear year in and year out,new coaching staff in and new coaching staff out,new players in and new players out is,”WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR”.Not just speaking of ocho but free agents in general who we know can come in and make a difference.Its been this way so long,most of the fans think like the organization saying nooooooo not this guy and nooooo not that guy.I would rather pick up a guy and release him if it/he don’t work out than not to try to make the team better at all.If it don’t work then whats the harm in releasing him or getting a draft pick for him.We have to remember other teams are getting better too.I have to give my honest opinion and say that dallas,GB,NO,and maybe philly is in a better position to go to a superbowl right now than the falcons.The falcons have too many ifs,if turner can have a big year,if they can get another corner,if they can have a pass rush,if ryan can win a playoff game,if if if.
ugaclassof2004
May 17th, 2011
1:33 pm
@ Matt
No we’re not idiots because we don’t want Chad. He’s not that much of an upgrade over what we already have. When you got Roddy, Julio, Tony, Jenkins, and Harry Douglas. You can win RIGHT NOW with this group. You just have to open the offense up. At this point in his career, Chad is not that much of an improvement over Michael Jenkins, so why get him?
@ASHCAN
And what has Chad Johnson accomplished? The Falcons have had three winning seasons, their first in franchise history; and are a legit Super Bowl contender. And they did it without Chad Johnson who has been on two playoff teams his entire career, neither of which made it past the first round.
The guy is a good player, but ya’ll act like he’s Jerry Rice or Randy Moss or something. And if you think he’s going to mentor a rookie, you’re sadly mistaken.
ugaclassof2004
May 17th, 2011
1:38 pm
@ASHCAN
Also, Dallas more Super Bowl ready than the Falcons??? Is that a joke!! Their O-Line is ancient and their defense ranked 31st in points allowed and 26th vs. the pass. At least our defense is able to tighten up in the redzone and generate turnovers. You want to talk about a bad secondary, look at the Cowboys! They go 9-7 at best next year.
yo mama
May 17th, 2011
1:51 pm
ocho is destined to be a raider. i would take TO first, but that aint happening…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 17th, 2011
1:52 pm
I see you all are having some fun with this. Just got back from he seven-on-seven drills. Matt Ryan had 31 players show up for a spirited workout. It’s also Ryan’s birthday. He turned 26.
Nikki
May 17th, 2011
2:27 pm
The falcons choose players based on their attitudes, work ethic, and maturity…chad fits none of our expectations. Our coaches are smart. There is no way that they would pick up jones and then chad. We know better than to get tangled up in that Wr drama…what an entertaining article..hahaha
kerry norwood
May 17th, 2011
2:43 pm
IF U GOING POST SOME POST THIS ARE THE FALCONS GOING TO PICK UP REGGIE BUSH WE NEED HIM POST THAT
ASHCAN.
May 17th, 2011
2:45 pm
@UGACLASSOF2004,if you read my response you will notice i mention free agents in general and ocho is just a current example of the falcons not bringing in free agents to help out.The teams i chose to be superbowl ready is just my opinion just like everybody else comment is just that there opinion.This is not a your right im wrong debate,this is just to comment what a person see.Im sure if you read the other comments,you will also disagree with other posters too.Only time will tell who’s right about there opinion and if its you then kudos to you.Your offensive line response could be right about dallas,but if you look at every position from a players stand point,dallas hands down have better personel.Stats don’t always defind a team and if it did the falcons 13-3 would have went to the superbowl instead of greenbay 10-6 or 9-7 whatever there record was.So we don’t see things eye to eye don’t mean your right its just your opinion as well as mine.
eM
May 17th, 2011
2:51 pm
Seeing that Turner is getting older, we should go after Reggie Bush and Jake Delhomme just in case Matt goes down.
tim
May 17th, 2011
3:01 pm
There ia A REASON teams release players……and it isn’t always about money.
York
May 17th, 2011
3:36 pm
What a piece of sensationalist garbage. A former coach of Chad Johnson being in Atlanta is the reason they would bring him here? After we just drafted Julio Jones and already have Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez to fill in any gaps why in the hell would we need a hack like Ochocinco? His stats have been way down and his personality is BEYOND not being a fit for what Atlanta is trying to build.
He would be playing 3rd if not 4th fiddle and we all know that would not happen anyway.
Would you like to include any form of fact to back this up?
goodness gracious
May 17th, 2011
3:40 pm
You just cant make up whatever you want to and expect everyone to believe it. Hey did anyone see the monkey and the dog flying the space shuttle to the moon last week! Where do you get this stuff?
Eskoballa
May 17th, 2011
4:25 pm
not if he was the last WR in the league
hiramsaint
May 17th, 2011
4:27 pm
@ 108-matty melt makes you very stoppable. you just don’t get it do you. with a real qb and a real coach ,you might have been celebrating championships instead of winning seasons in a row. turner is old gonzo is old and the only poison you had wore off in the playoffs last year.
opie
May 17th, 2011
4:28 pm
Put aside you personalm dislike for Ocho Bloggers. The league is about winning championships. Chad is 10 times better than Mike Jenkins and Harry no production in three years Douglass.
Put Chad in the slot with Julio and Roddy on the outside. It would open up everything for Tony Gonzalez and Mike Turner and eliminate double teams on Roddy. Julio Jones is a first year unproven commodity, first year receivers rarely contribute!!
If Atlanta provides Matt Mediocre no playoff wins Ryan with these weapons and he does not win the excluses about receiver talent will be over with once and for all!!
D. Bell
May 17th, 2011
4:31 pm
Negative.
opie
May 17th, 2011
4:32 pm
eM, what are you smoking? Why would Atlanta bring in another worthless weak arm quarterback who is comparable to Matt Ryan name Jake Delhommme? They already have Jake on the roster his name is John Parker weak arm Wilson!!
Ochocinco..............NOT!!! =-)
May 17th, 2011
5:24 pm
DON’T take this article seriously, the closest he’ll ever get to generating revenue in the ATL is in the Gwinnett Arena, and that was a week ago. Like him, funny guy, down to earth, but not seeing good chemistry if 85 was in the red and black.
Atlanta Falcons The Favorite To Sign Chad Ochocinco?
May 17th, 2011
6:50 pm
[...] so, his landing spot could be in Atlanta. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Falcons may be the leading candidate for Ochocinco’s services, thanks to the hiring of [...]
Mr. Dawg
May 17th, 2011
6:52 pm
Roddy’s gameplay and attitude have picked up greatly in the past 3 years. He is one of the most feared and respected wideouts in the league. Chad Eight Five would drag him down.
Keep him the hell away from ATL.
drmondo
May 17th, 2011
7:37 pm
So this is what the lockout does to the news cycle now. D-Led, I applaud that you’re one of the few sports writers who puts out articles regularly. However, you should have read this one and then deleted it.
There’s NO WAY the Falcons go after CJ. I don’t care if his father is on the coaching staff.
1. He’s a locker room cancer.
2. Any $$ spent on him is money not spent on improving our pass rush or signing our own FA
3. We just made a huge trade to get Julio Jones
4. Last time CJ was on the market, he and his agent talked about all the teams that were courting him…except there was only a couple and no bidding war ensued. There’s very little interest out there anymore for him. If he’d been hurt on his 1.5 second bullride (another publicity stunt) I’d say with 100% certainty his career was done. Now I’m only 80% sure, if only because owners like Al Davis and Snyder are still around.
So this blog was just red meat filler to take up space and generate hits. Why not do your next blog on Mularkey, what necessary changes need to be made to the offense and his future with ATL if he’s successful or unsuccessful? At least it’s relevant.
drmondo
May 17th, 2011
7:39 pm
So SeenB4’s new handle is opie? BTW, eM’s post was sarcastic, you goober.
A-Ville Ranger
May 17th, 2011
7:41 pm
I hope we stay clear of that annoying piece of work
D man
May 17th, 2011
7:54 pm
This is the stupidest thing I have heard in a long time on these blogs. Who are you kidding? We need defensive players and we are not looking at any other offense stars.
Colorado Bird
May 17th, 2011
10:39 pm
Not a good fit.. This organization is on the way up and does not need a “me” individual. I hope they bring in one or two defensive ends via the free agent market and resign Tyson Clabo and Brent Grimes for sure and hopefully all of the free agents that can still contribute.
I hope Atlanta bring in a lot of undrafted college players to give them a shot.
opie
May 18th, 2011
12:32 am
drdumbo, who is SeenB4, I am a 40 year falcon fan who is sick and tired of the Ryan Express overhype. Talk to me when he wins a playoff game. 0-2, 2 touchdowns and six interceptions. Everytime ATL fails its the defense, it’s Mike mularkey, it’s the receivers,It’s Matt Ryan!!
He is average at best. Flacco and Sanchez have outperformed him with lesser offensive talent in the postseason where it counts moron!! No one gives a damn about regular season records!!
Steve Bartkowski, Chris Miller, Chris Chandler and basket case Jeff George make Ryan look like a JV player with his inability to throw the ball down field. Ryan is the main reason defenses crowd the line of scrimmage and roll double coverages on Roddy because no DB in the league fear Matt Ryan’s ability to throw over the top. ATL tied with Carolina for last in the league with passes over 20 yards thanks to Matty Melt aka Jake Delhomme!!
NFL News and Notes – May 17, 2011 | Game Ball
May 18th, 2011
5:33 am
[...] recovery from kneesurgery is going well. If he’s released by the Bengals, the AtlantaFalcons may be a landing spot for wide receiver Chad Ochocinco,writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta [...]
Chad Ochocinco heading to NFC South? | Ben Maller
May 18th, 2011
10:00 am
[...] star Chad Ochocinco could be taking his talents to the NFC South. The ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION reports the Falcons are the favorites to land the six-time Pro Bowl receiver if he becomes a free [...]
drmondo
May 18th, 2011
8:24 pm
dopie, it’s Mularkey’s playcalling that drew defenses up to the line. When Ryan’s gone to the no huddle, he’s done well. Nearly every coach, player and expert thinks Ryan is a good player but apparently you think your opinion holds more weight. Right.
While pointing out his only shortcoming (0-2 playoff record), you gloss over the fact that he’s made the playoffs twice in his first 3 years. We’re about the same age and I’m ashamed of anyone calling themselves a Falcons fan who tears down the best, most consistant team we’ve ever had after suffering through the teams that took the field in the 80’s. Bartkowski and Case will always be two of my favorite players of all time and I’m sure if you asked them if they wish their teams had the talent and coaching of the current one, they’d say HELL YES!!!
kenneth
May 19th, 2011
1:44 pm
I do not want him on the falcons he is nothing but drama he maybe good but we don’t need the drama PLEASE PLEASE DON’T DO IT.
Chad Ochocinco to the Falcons, Raiders? | The PigskinReport.com
May 19th, 2011
2:23 pm
[...] line and playing for the Atlanta Falcons next season, I don’t believe it for a moment. AJC.com speculates that the Falcons quarterback coach, Bob Bratkowski could lure the veteran receiver to Atlanta, but [...]
j-lo
May 19th, 2011
4:33 pm
Atlanta would be a good fit for this talented receiver but he will more than likely never take his talents to the east bay.
kenneth
May 20th, 2011
12:34 am
Me Banket PLease DON”T chad os a problem we had enough of the DRAMA you got MV out please keep this DRAMA QUEEN out to. Please
Big Dawg
May 20th, 2011
8:49 am
Prima Donna. Don’t care how talented he is. You can tell by this article alone that he is all about Chad. He’s talented and works hard, but he brings far too much baggage. TD is too smart to contaminate Coach Smith’s clubhouse with this piece of garbage.
pharaoh1973
May 20th, 2011
11:31 am
Chad still has some game in him, but ATL does not need him really they need to work on there oline , improve there defense , so they can hold off the saint’s , tampa. I can see him in Newyork! Once he is out of loser ville cinn he will be a great #2 WR ,He is not a problem child he just like to enjoy his self and be a clown but he works his ass off.