Patriots Training Camp: Ochocinco Suits Up

It takes an awful lot to draw fans and especially the medias attention away from Tom Brady. Every year at the Patriots Open Camp, Brady is almost always the main focus.  On Friday afternoon, when the Patriots suited up in pads and helmets, the attention was solely on #85 at camp, Chad Ochocinco.  

Earlier in the day it was reported that both Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth would not be at camp until next week due to contract signings being ironed out. Something happened and happened quickly on Friday, as Ochocinco was a surprise guest in pads and a helmet to practice with Tom Brady, Wes Welker, and the rest of the team. Ochocinco had tweeted earlier, "I'm in heaven," signaling that he was indeed at Foxborough in the company of his new team.

Ochocinco was present during the morning walk-through practice and when the crowd realized that he had suited up during the afternoon practice, a palpable buzz could be felt in the crowd.  

You know it's a big deal when every camera and everyone's eyes are not focused on Brady. When Ochocinco took the field for his first series of plays, the crowd erupted with cheers. The cheers grew louder after his very first catch from Brady. From there, anything that Ochocinco did, the crowd reacted to. The Patriots and Brady have secured one of the most talented wide receivers in the game today. Both Belichick and Ochocinco have stated publicly how much they admire each other. Belichick has even gone so far as to smile with glee when asked about Ochocinco last fall.  

Also present and taking part in Friday's practice was the Patriots third round pick, Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas. The team and Mallet came to an agreement on a contract earlier in the day, so Mallet also made his debut in a Patriots uniform. The young quarterback has a rifle for an arm and should provide the Patriots with the best backup quarterback on their roster since Matt Cassell departed two years ago.

When it was time for Brady, Welker, Branch, and Ochocinco to take part in a passing drill, the crowd grew even more excited.  Loud cheers erupted as Ochocinco, during one drill went up, way up, and pulled a ball out of the air on a crossing route.  Seeing Welker and Ochocinco cross each other on the field is a salivating preview of things to come during the upcoming season.  

Notably absent from practice on Friday was first round selection Nate Solder and the recently acquired Albert Haynesworth.  The two are expected to be in camp next week after straightening out their respective contracts and conditioning tests.

Needless to say, it was a very exciting day at the Patriots Open Training Camp.  Brady and Ochocinco could be seen laughing and constantly communicating during the session. Several Patriot players could also be seen officially welcoming Ochocinco to the team with a pat on his helmet or his back.

There will be an open practice Saturday morning as well.  It will be from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.  A very large crowd is expected on Saturday morning, especially since it's the weekend and word is out that Ochocinco is officially practicing with the team.

The 2011 Patriots Training Camp Schedule is subject to change, so be sure to check the Training Camp Hotline before leaving at (508) 549-0001, or go to Patriots.com for up to date info.