Dallas Cowboys, take notes. Turns out, all it takes to turn around a player’s attitude is a little encouragement from friends in the league. At least this was the case with Chad Ocho Cinco, formerly Chad Johnson. Ocho Cinco reportedly took advice both from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Before the talks, Ocho Cinco would publically criticize the Bengals as well as hint at his desire for a trade. Even though the Bengals are still one of the worst teams in the league this season, Ocho Cinco has changed his tune and now seems both content with his position and optimistic about the future of the Cincinnati Bengals. Both McNabb and Lewis told Ocho Cinco that he should consider himself fortunate because he is getting to live the life that most people dream of. Lewis added that Ocho Cinco bring his problems to God so that he can remain a good positive role model to the children who look up to him.

As of week 10, the Bengals are 1-8, but they recently tallied their first and only win against the Jacksonville Jaguars during week nine. The positive attitude must have been working, too, because Ocho Cinco had two touchdowns in that game, doubling his season total. He also scored touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers during week seven and the Cleveland Browns during week four. Ocho Cinco has spend his entire NFL career with the Bengals so far, being drafted by them in the second round of the 2001 draft. He had to sit a few games that season with a broken clavicle, but still managed 28 receptions for 329 yards and one touchdown. The next season, he played in all 16 games and started 14 of them, tallying 1,166 yards and five touchdowns on 69 receptions.

2003 marked Ocho Cinco’s first Pro Bowl invitation after he tallied 1,355 yards on 90 receptions as well as 10 touchdowns. He was again a Pro Bowl selection in 2004 after he led the AFC in receiving hard with 1,274. He also had nine touchdowns that season. He showed his consistency again in 2005 by being invited to his third Pro Bowl and topping the AFC again in receiving yards. He had 1,432 yards and seven touchdowns that season. Ocho Cinco was invited to two more Pro Bowls in 2006 and 2006 with 1,369 and 1,440 receiving yards per season, respectively. As of week 10 this season, Ocho Cinco has 37 receptions for 349 yards and four touchdowns.

The Bengals are inevitably pleased about Ocho Cinco’s change in heart. The Bengals have been making strides to improve this season after a tough start to the season that left them 0-8 before Jacksonville, having scored less than two touchdowns in five of their losses. Heading into the final games of the season against division opponents, the Bengals want to do everything they to make up for the first part of their season. See them finish strong by getting Cincinnati Bengals tickets and other NFL teams by visiting .