Hernandez, Ochocinco joke about No. 85 swap

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