 Flamboyant NFL star, Chad Ochocinco, officially became a New England Patriot on Friday (July 29) ... and was present at their camp before the news was even announced.
Earlier in the day, the now-former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver was seen having a long conversation with quarterback Tom Brady and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien behind Gillette Stadium, reports ESPN.
Despite his colorful personality, his new teammates know the talent he brings to the team and hope for a fruitful season playing alongside him.
"I've known Chad for a long time, I've watched him for a long time. He brings a lot of energy to the team, and we're looking forward to everyone being out here and trying to get better," Brady said told the sports network. "Trying to see what we can make of this year. ... [Ochocinco has] been a very prolific receiver; I think he's had a bunch of production over the years.
"Hopefully he can come in here and find a role on this team, like we're all trying to do. We're all trying to come out here and see what we can make of this year, see what kind of role we can make for ourselves," he continued.
The Patriots officially announced that they had acquired Ochocinco for "undisclosed draft considerations," but sources told ESPN that the Bengals will receive two draft picks, a 2012 fifth-rounder and a 2013 sixth-rounder, to complete the trade.
Ochocinco was scheduled to make $6.35 million for the Bengals this year. The Patriots wanted him to restructure his contract for salary-cap purposes, and he agreed to facilitate the trade.
After chatting with Brady Friday, the receiver went right to work, learning the offense he'll be playing this year. But, because the trades were not officially complete, Ochocinco was not allowed to practice with the team.
The team wasn't able to comment on the trade, until, it's finalized.
Ochocinco tweeted (@Ochocinco) about it though, writing: "It's 1 thing to jump and be able to land on 2 feet, but I had no idea I was landing in Heaven. Hope all is well on this good Friday."
ESPN says that he may have worked a deal with Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez to be able to wear his usual #85. Hernandez was seen wearing #81 shorts, while Ochocinco had on a #85 warmup shirt.
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