NFL approves Chad Johnson name change

NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The NFL has approved the official name change of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson to Chad Ocho Cinco.

The approval, made Thursday, means Johnson will wear the name on the back of his uniform during the Bengals season-opener Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

"Effective today, the Bengals begin the process of listing the former Chad Johnson as Chad Ocho Cinco," the team said in a release on its Web site.

Bengals merchandise manager Monty Montague said the No. 85 Ocho Cinco jersey could go on sale at the Paul Brown Stadium Pro Shop as early as next Wednesday.

The Pro Bowl receiver, a Miami native and former Oregon State star, made the name change in a court in Broward County (Fla.) last week.

Last season, his seventh in the NFL, Johnson scored eight touchdowns after 93 receptions for 1,440 yards.