Chad Ochocinco: Why He's A Self-Marketing Genius

Chad Ochocinco. The name says it all. 

Ochocinco, formerly known as Chad Johnson, is one of the most popular, visible and marketable players in the NFL, although his Cincinnati Bengals are 2-9, and he's on pace for his worst statistical full season since his rookie year in 2001.

Yet, he remains endearing in the public eye.

How so?

He's got it down to a science. Or is it an art?

First things first, Ochocinco is still an exciting football player, despite his teams disappointing record. Poor play doesn't coincide with TV appearances and believe me, Chad knows that.

The guy is so concerned with his on-the-field persona that he legally changed his last name to call-out his jersey numbers in Spanish. Never before done. Creative. Funny. Unique.

He's very flashy but not obnoxious.

The next part is probably the most critical...

Chad's extremely involved with the fans and connects with them through media outlets THEY use. He goes the extra mile, and then some.

Sure, some athletes smile when they sign autographs and might even compliment your hat or throw your their gloves.

But as Ochocinco moves from city to city, he'll send out a tweet telling fans what restaurant to go to, meets them there, and then foots the bill on dinner for the first 85 who arrive. It's all about him, but he's become more approachable than any other athlete of his time.

He's having fun and so are the fans.  

It's a win-win for everybody.

His sense of humor is his greatest asset, especially in today's fast-moving technological world. His tweets are, in the very least, amusing and at most, can provoke a belly-laugh.  

Also, he's got a squeaky clean past. In sports' investigative atmosphere, you'd be hard-pressed to find a star athlete that hasn't been surrounded by a career-tarnishing allegation or a reputation-altering scandal at some point. 

It seems like the bigger they are, the harder the fall. But not Chad. 

His down-to-earth interviews are a blend of quick wit and trash-talking that almost, but never, cross the line. He knows the public is tired of those cliche answers. 

You never know what Ochocinco might say. This is another factor that connects with the common-folk.

Whether he's speaking at the post-game podium, or is tweeting from wherever, Chad Ochocinco is just one of the guys and that appeals to everyone.