Fitzgerald Cecilio

Claiming that he's physically fit and could compete, wide receiver Chad Ochocinco said he can play for six more years.

"I'm going to play 'til I'm 40 years old, and this year I'm going to show the world I can," the 34-year-old Ochocinco told the South Florida-Sun Sentinel.

"There is physically nothing wrong with me. I want to race Clyde (Gates) right now. I've asked him," Ochocinco said, referring to Gates, whose 4.31 40-yard dash time made him the fastest receiver in the 2011 NFL draft.

"I've still got it. I'm a lot smarter and I'm still fast," added the wide receiver who signed with the Miami Dolphins after being released by the New England Patriots.

A six-time Pro Bowler, Ochocinco had a minor role in his lone season with the Patriots, catching 15 passes for 276 yards.

"I ate every bit of that humble pie," Ochocinco said about his season with the Patriots. "I believe it made me a better man, a better player".

"The Dolphins are the right team, the right offense. I'm at the good place in my life. Everything fits perfectly for me," he added.

In his career, Ochocinco has caught 766 passes for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns. He played 10 years with the Cincinnati Bengals before signing with the Patriots last year.

Ochocinco said he is excited to play for his hometown team. "It's been a childhood dream of mine, growing up watching the Marks Brothers (Mark Duper and Mark Clayton), watching Dan (Marino), some of those guys," Ochocinco said.

"It's awesome. Throughout the years, I've always played Madden, I've always used the Dolphins no matter where I was playing and to be able to wear the teal and orange, it's a pretty good feeling," he added.

The Dolphins signed Ochocinco on June 11, four days after he was released by New England after putting him through a workout that impressed his new teammates.

"He definitely has 'it,'" cornerback Sean Smith said. "I know a lot of people had written him off because of his numbers last year, but he's out here, his routes are crisp, he's coming out of his breaks, he looks good. He's definitely going to be one of those guys that turn heads this year."

 

Dolphins' Ochocinco Claims He Can Play Six More Years - NFL 2012