How does one of the most recognizable names in the NFL end up on a training field with Sporting Kansas City? Via Twitter, of course.
To set the stage for his upcoming tryout and transition to professional soccer, SportingKC.com takes a look back at the fortuitous forum from which the upcoming trial transpired…
Ochocinco to Sporting Kansas City?
The unlikely opportunity was first initiated on Twitter by a Sporting Kansas City front office member last Saturday when the NFL star surprisingly responded to the possibility by saying, “Yes, I’m ready. Where and when do I sign the contract?” An auspicious, albeit improbable proposition that would culminate with a personal invitation from Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes on Tuesday.
Yet with more than 1.8 million followers, the buzz quickly spread among Sporting Kansas City fans and players alike. Striker Teal Bunbury responded with the first of three Tweets to his fellow pro, saying, “I think @ochocinco would be a great addition to our team. What do y’all think? @ochocinco you think you’re up for it?”
The NFL vet left little room to be misinterpreted when he re-tweeted the challenge, adding the addendum, “I’m ready.”
Sporting Club CEO Robb Heineman, one of the most social media savvy owners in MLS, didn’t miss the chance to get in on the banter. “Two sport superstar? I sure hope so. Bo did it in KC – why not u?”
Still, few could be blamed for seeing the exchange as little more than fan-friendly fodder for a slow Saturday. Nevertheless, Ochocinco made it clear there was more interest and intent than many suspected. After echoing his original stance by telling Bunbury he was ready, he opened it up for feedback from his fans: “Honestly, how many of you would come and support myself and my new futbol team @SportingKC if I played there?”
As expected, the prospect of a six-time NFL Pro Bowl pick seeing if he could cut it in his beloved second sport received an overwhelmingly positive response. And an endorsement from the team’s official account, pointing out one of the more important considerations of any future deal: “Good news @ochocinco – we have the #85 available! Sounds like your fans and ours would support you coming to KC.”
Still, skepticism reigned and understandably so. After all, this isn’t the first time Ochocinco has publicly considered giving soccer or MLS a go. In October 2009, he Tweeted at ESPN’s Adam Schefter saying, “…when there is work stoppage I’ll be in Europe playing soccer, deal is already in place.” Initially that deal looked to be in Italy’s Serie A when he told Schefter, “That’s only if there’s a lock out. I’m playing with Ronaldinho in Milan.”
But his story changed a year later, saying, “This isn’t a joke either. I am sad that it might come to this but excited to play futbol in SPAIN until we resume NFL play.” The undisclosed team was revealed in January, as he tweeted “I’ve a trial with Real Madrid after my surgery, would they really sign me with no professional experience? I’m just fast as hell.” He went on warn their Barcelona rivals, “I’m getting ready to sign with Real Madrid, you should be very afraid.”
The list of proposed destinations for his debut also, at times, included two MLS clubs. D.C. United courted Ochocinco with a personalized uniform, which eventually led the wide receiver to Tweet, “Sign me up for a try out with the team please” and “make it happen,” when told it was a possibility. Never capitalizing on the chance to showcase his skills, Ochocinco continued to use Twitter to entertain the idea last September, announcing to the Columbus Crew, “I’ll be trying out soon, what do I need to do?”
But back to Saturday, the Twitter exchange took on a different tone as both parties began to get in touch behind-the-scenes. Ochocinco broke the once far-fetched news later that afternoon. “Soon to be part of @sportingkc,” his Twitter feed read, along with a link to the quickly spreading mock-up of him wearing a Sporting Kansas City uniform.
Come next week, there will be little need for the photo editing. Ochocinco will be issued the standard Sporting Kansas City training gear as an official guest trialist for his first professional soccer workout, beating out the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan for his untapped talent.
And if the story to this point has been any indication, Twitter will tell you all about it. Stay tuned.
Follow Sporting Kansas City on Twitter via each of the team’s three accounts:
@SportingKC (English)
@ElSportingKC (Spanish)
@LIVESTRONGPark
