MKRob Sports

The good news is Bengal fans will have someone to watch during the NFL Pro Bowl Jan. 31 in Florida.

The bad news is that it’s wide receiever Chad Ochocino, who is probably the fifth most-deserving player on the team.

Ochocinco replaces injured Wes Welker of New England, who was selected to the team in original voting in December. Ochocinco was a second alternate in the original voting. The first alternate, Randy Moss of New England, also will not participate due to an injury.

This is the the sixth Pro Bowl selection for Ochocinco in his nine NFL seasons, tying him with cornerback Lemar Parrish for the second-most nods in Bengals history. Offensive tackle Anthony Munoz is first with 11.

“This is extremely great news,” Ochocinco was quoted as saying in a team press release. “I appreciate the recognition of the body of work I put in this season. But please let me share with my teammates. Cedric Benson — none of it would have happened without him. And Carson (Palmer) and my offensive line and everybody. I love you all.”

Ochocinco led the Bengals by wide margins in receptions (72), receiving yards (1047) and touchdowns (nine).

But, it’s a good thing Chad mentions his teammates in his quote because Benson and offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, as well as cornerbacks Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph all should have made the team ahead of him.

I understand Ochocinco made the squad because of injuries to other wide receivers, but that doesn’t make the selection any more legitimate.