Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - Chad Ochocinco was released by the New
England Patriots on Thursday after several failed attempts to trade him.
Ochocinco, 34, landed with the Patriots via trade from the Cincinnati Bengals
last offseason, but his tenure with the Pats comes to an end after just one
season with the team.
He played in 15 games last season, but started only three while totaling just
15 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown. He also played in two of New
England's three 2011 postseason games and caught one pass for 21 yards in the
Super Bowl XLVI loss to the New York Giants.
Despite the relatively poor season on the field, Ochocinco was quick to thank
the Patriot organization for his time with the team. He tweeted the following
on Thursday afternoon, with some New England flare:
"Thoroughly enjoyed the oppurtunity to play for the "Patriot" organization...
fans were wicked awesome, I wish all of you the best..."
Born Chad Johnson, Ochocinco has played 11 seasons in the NFL -- 10 with
Cincinnati -- and racked up 766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns.
He has made the Pro Bowl six times and became the first player in NFL history
to lead his conference in receiving yards in four consecutive seasons
(2003-06).
Oakland's Tim Brown and San Francisco's Jerry Rice were conference leaders in
three straight seasons.
The Sports Network