NFL ROUNDUP: Falcons re-sign LB Peterson; Miami WR Ochocinco changes last name back to Johnson

As of Monday, July 23, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

Falcons LB Mike Peterson started five games for Atlanta last year.

FLOWERY BRANCH — On Monday, the Atlanta Falcons re-signed linebacker Mike Peterson, who has been with the team for the last three years.

Peterson also played for coach Mike Smith when Smith was the defensive coordinator in Jacksonville.

Peterson can play inside and outside LB, and with middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu battling a chest injury, Peterson will provide some depth for the Falcons.

Last year, Peterson played in 15 games with five starts. He made 27 tackles (16 solo) while adding one interception and two passes defensed. He has 1,611 tackles (953 solo), 21 1/2 sacks, 19 interceptions, 52 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries during his 13-year NFL career.

Ochocinco: My last name is Johnson again

MIAMI — Chad Ochocinco is officially no more. The Miami Dolphins receiver has changed his name back to the original Chad Johnson.

Johnson legally changed his name Monday in an appearance at the Broward County Courthouse. The change he announced via Twitter quickly follows his July Fourth marriage to Evelyn Lozada of TV’s “Basketball Wives” fame.

Johnson was known as “Ochocinco” for the past four seasons. The name was a playful reference to the No. 85 he wore on his jersey.

Johnson was a six-time Pro Bowl receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. He signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins earlier this year after being cut by the New England Patriots.

For his NFL career, Johnson has 766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns.

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