It was official in Florida.
Now it is official in the NFL.
The former Chad Johnson is now Chad Ocho Cinco and will wear the name on the back of his uniform in Baltimore Opening Day Sunday.
The Bengals sent out the following press release:
"Effective today, the Bengals begin the process of listing the former Chad Johnson as Chad Ocho Cinco for all club business, per the legal change of his surname effected in Florida. The list of appropriate changes will include the player wearing the name Ocho Cinco on the back of his jersey for Sunday's season opener at Baltimore."
The No. 85 Ocho Cinco jersey could go on sale at the Paul Brown Stadium Pro Shop as early as Wednesday, said Monty Montague, the Bengals merchandise manager.
"At the latest, we're hoping Thursday," Montague said. "We think it's going to be a big seller because Chad has gone by that name for awhile."
Asked why the NFL decided to recognize the name change, league spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail, "It's his legal surname."
INJURY REPORT: Two players were added to Thursday's injury report and were classified as "limited in practice." Running back Keny Watson (hamstring) and defensive tackle John Thornton (knee) and joined linebacker Brandon Johnson (hamstring) and wide receiver Andre Caldwell (toe).
For the Ravens, defensive tackle Kelly Gregg and quarterback Troy Smith didn't work while safety Ed Reed, tight end Todd Heap, and running back Willis McGahee were limited.
