After being released from the New England Patriots only several days ago, Chad Ochocinco is refusing to make retirement an option.
On Monday, the wide receiver announced he is returning to his hometown, as he had been signed to the Miami Dolphins. The news was first revealed on his website OCNNReport.com.
"Congrats to Chad," tweeted Ochocinco's agent, Drew Rosenhaus. "It's nice to come home."
Ochocinco most recently made the Pro Bowl in 2009, where it was his sixth time doing so. He also made All Pro twice and spent the first part of his NFL football career playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. During his first ten seasons he caught 751 passes for 10,783 yards and made 66 touchdowns.
Although his role on the patriots was a minor one, perhaps the player can give the Dolphins help in areas where they are lacking. Ochocinco has had significantly more touchdowns than current Dolphins' receivers. Throughout his career he has had 67 touchdowns, while they have had less than a dozen.
Following the team's trade of receiver Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears in April, the Dolphins have been in great need of a replacement.
Owner Stephen Ross said of the Dolphins' receivers Monday, "We don't have a number one receiver, but we have a lot of dependable receivers."
Dolphins coach Joe Philbin admitted that there was a need for better pass-catching throughout the team's offseason.
''You would like to have some players make it easy and distinguish themselves, maybe make the picture a little bit clearer,'' Philbin said. ''We have to catch the ball more consistently at every position on offense, because it is not quite where it needs to be.''
The 34-year-old Ochocinco will be a part of the show "Hard Knocks", which will feature the Miami Dolphins throughout training camp and preseason workout.
