Cincinnati Bengals fans disappointed that no players from the AFC North champions were chosen to the Pro Bowl will now have one player to root for in Miami.
Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco was named to the 2010 AFC Pro Bowl team on Friday.
Ochocinco replaces the injured Wes Welker of the New England Patriots.
This is Ochocinco's sixth Pro Bowl selection in his nine NFL seasons. That ties him with cornerback Lemar Parrish for the second most pro bowl selections in Bengals history. Hall of Fame offensive lineman Anthony Munoz was selected to 11 Pro Bowls.
“I appreciate the recognition of the body of work I put in this season," Ochocinco said. "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.”
Chad posted a message on Twitter Friday saying that it is cool to make it to the Pro Bowl again, but he'd trade it to still be in the playoffs. The AFC North champions lost to the New York Jets at home last weekend.
Ochocinco was a second alternate. First alternate, Randy Moss, is also unable to participate due to injury.
Ochocinco led the Bengals this season with 72 receptions, 1,047 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His previous five Pro Bowl selections were following the 2003 through the 2007 seasons.
The Bengals all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards has had success in the Pro Bowl.
In the 2004 game, following the 2003 season, Ochocinco had 156 receiving yards which stands as the second-most in Pro Bowl history. Ochocinco, who was known as Chad Johnson back then, connected with Steve McNair for a 90-yard touchdown. That play stands as the second-longest completion in a Pro Bowl.
In the Pro Bowl following the 2006 season, Ochocinco hooked up with Carson Palmer for a 42-yard touchdown. Palmer was named as the MVP of that Pro Bowl.
The Pro Bowl will be played on Jan. 31, the week before the Super Bowl.
