New England Patriots fans were undoubtedly excited when they learned wide receiver Chad Ochocinco had been traded to their team for nothing but a pair of late-round picks. The first thought in the mind of Florida Gators fans? “How much is he going to pay tight end Aaron Hernandez for No. 85?”

Though he wore No. 81 throughout college, Hernandez was forced to don No. 85 during his rookie season because his number was already taken by another veteran. With No. 81 becoming available once again due and No. 85 in need by another player, Hernandez had a tough decision to make.

As it turns out, he did not ask Ochocinco for a dime and instead extended his hand (and the jersey number) as a welcome gift for the six-time Pro Bowl receiver.

“We’re playing at a high level, so all of us have a decent amount of money. I definitely should have [asked for some], but I didn’t,” Hernandez said with a laugh, according to ESPNBoston.com. “It was just a welcome to the team. [...] I thought he may look better and play better in 85, because that’s his last name. So why not give it to him?”

Ochocinco joked that all he had to offer Hernandez anyway was the use of his Toyota Prius on the weekends and some McDonald’s coupons. “It was Mr. Hernandez’s way of greeting me here,” he said. “I just shook his hand and said, ‘Thank you.’”

Though some may be disappointed that Hernandez did not cash in when given the opportunity, Florida fans will be happy to see him wearing his new old number while tearing up the field in New England.

“I had a chance to get my college number back, and he obviously wanted 85,” Hernandez said. “It wasn’t a problem. So I thought he deserved it and should get it.”

Photo Credit: John Biever/Sports Illustrated

Tags: Aaron Hernandez, Chad Ochocinco, New England Patriots

1 » With seven of their eight 2010 NFL Draft picks now under contract, the last thing on the docket for Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren is to sign former Florida Gators cornerback Joe Haden to a deal. Here is what he had to say about the situation at a press conference on Wednesday:

“As far as Haden goes, those of you who have been around this for a long time, the number one picks you just need a domino to go and then it starts to happen. Then it just explodes and happens. We have had good discussions with Joe’s agents and I am hopeful that he will get in without too much loss of time. It’s very important for the young man, I will say that. I get the business part of it, even when I was coaching I did. It frustrated me to a certain extent, but I get it. This is a lot of money, but I also saw and lived through and experienced the importance of this with a lot of athletes. If they wait too long, they miss some really valuable stuff. [...] It’s hard to catch up in most cases. It’s important that he gets in here, but I’m not discouraged. I think we are making progress.”

2 » As draft picks are being signed left and right, the Cincinnati Bengals made a splash Wednesday officially signing veteran wide receiver Terrell Owens to a one-year contract. Owens’ signing will certainly impact former Gators WR Andre “Bubba” Caldwell, who had been penciled in as the team’s starting slot receiver in 2010. Instead, it looks like veteran Antonio Bryant will hold that role and Caldwell will be fighting for balls as the Bengals’ No. 4 pass catcher. Caldwell said he realizes his playing time will be “diminished” but “maybe not. I’m just going to keep grinding and playing my hardest.” Nevertheless, he has great respect for Owens. “I read his book. I’ve been watching all this time,” Caldwell said. “He’s one of the greatest receivers. […] To be able to learn from him is something I’m really looking forward to.” As far as team chemistry is concerned, Caldwell has no worries. “If Chad [Ochocinco] can’t disrupt this team,” I don’t think T.O. can,” he told the team’s website.

3 » Former Florida thrower Evelien Dekkers, who took home the 2010 NCAA National Championship in women’s javelin, was named the 2010 U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Outdoor Women’s Field. Dekkers is the only female in school history to own a national title in javelin and holds a school-record toss of 58.99m/193-6.

4 » Good news came Wednesday for Gators redshirt senior gymnast Maranda Smith, who has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. A four-time All-American, Smith has suffered a stress fracture in her right shin and torn her right labrum in previous seasons. “I’m so grateful that the NCAA granted me another year of eligibility,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to competing with my Gator teammates again and having another chance to compete in front of the O’Connell Center fans is truly a gift.”

Photo Credit: Cleveland Browns

Tags: Andre Caldwell, Antonio Bryant, Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals, Draft, Evelien Dekkers, gymnastics, Joe Haden, Maranda Smith, Mike Holmgren, National Championship, NCAA, NFL, O'Connell Center, Terrell Owens, USTFCCCA