Chad Johnson coy about name change

CINCINNATI — Receiver Chad Johnson declined to say Monday whether he will try to get the Cincinnati Bengals to put “Ocho Cinco” on the back of his uniform this season.

Johnson had his last name legally changed to “Ocho Cinco” — the moniker he gave himself based on his No. 85 — last week in Florida, where he lives. He declined to talk to reporters on Monday about the reason for it.

Asked if he would try to get it on his jersey for the season opener at Baltimore, Johnson said, “It don’t matter what it says. It don’t matter. If it ain’t about the Ravens, I don’t want to talk.”

The Bengals have declined to comment on the name change.

Johnson caught 93 passes for 1,440 yards last season, when his relationship with local fans soured over his attention-getting antics during games. He tried to maneuver the Bengals into trading him in the offseason, but failed. Ankle surgery slowed him at the start of training camp, and he injured his left shoulder during the second preseason game against Detroit.

With all that has gone on in the offseason, Johnson said he needs to have a big season.

“I’ve got to be super-extra focused,” he said. “I have a lot of making up to do to a lot of people — not only my teammates, coaches, you know, from the top all the way down. I (angered) a lot of people all offseason with some of my — most people call them antics.”

Since making the playoffs in 2005, the Bengals have slipped to 8-8 and 7-9 the past two seasons. Johnson made himself a focal point last season with the way he fussed at quarterback Carson Palmer after an interception against New England, a turnover that the receiver eventually acknowledged was his fault for running the wrong route.

“I’m going to fuss again if we lose,” Johnson said. “Nothing has changed. But I’m here, so my motive and my focus have to change. I said what I said. I’ve said my peace, and now I’m here. Now I have to shut up and put up. I’m not going to shut up, but I’m going to put up.”