Seriously This Time: Chad Ochocinco Says He Will Change His Name

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Mark Humphrey / AP

New England Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco answers questions during a news conference on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, in Indianapolis.

Everyone’s used to Chad Ochocinco being Chad Ochocinco. But, the New England Patriots wide receiver looks like he’s finally tired of a legally-changed, made-up name.

This summer, the NFL player will reportedly be changing his name back to Chad Johnson. Maybe he was looking for that proverbial fresh start after his disappointing season with the Super Bowl runners-up. Or maybe it had to do with him not wanting his future wife to be “Mrs. Ochocinco.”

(LIST: Most Ridiculous Celebrity Name Changes)

The player reportedly told his friends that he’ll revert back to Johnson before his July wedding to Evelyn Lozada because he “doesn’t want his wife to have a made-up last name,” according to TMZ. He also said as much on Twitter this week, giving this deflating response to someone who said he had several signed Ochocinco jerseys:

[tweet https://twitter.com/#!/ochocinco/status/167250482530758657]

Fair enough — all nicknames must eventually come to an end (right, Metta World Peace?). The wide receiver has been preparing everyone for the switch, saying last month “I’ve done enough with the Ocho thing” in an ESPN interview.

So, all that comes next is the paperwork: He should probably make sure to get the exact spelling the way he wants this time.

LIST: Top 10 Dubious Name Changes