Chad Ochocinco…Team Player?!?!

Chad Ochocinco has proven to be a team player this season…so far.

The Cincinnati Bengal’s emergency kicker and international soccer fan kicked the game winning extra point (click here for video) late in the first half and the Bengals beat the sloppy New England Patriots 7-6 on Thursday night.

“‘Esteban’ Ochocinco is back, the most interesting footballer in the world,” Ochocinco said. “Everyone has to remember, I’ve always said that soccer is my No. 1 sport. I think Ronaldinho would be proud of me right now.”

Ochocinco practices kicking but had never done it in a preseason or regular-season NFL game in his eight years with the Bengals. Last night when Shayne Graham’s groin felt sore in pregame warmups, Bengal’s coach Marvin Lewis decided to rest the team’s franchise player and see what Ochocinco could do.

He won the game.

Join BetOnline Sportsbook Today!

After the game, Ochocinco pulled out his PDA and displayed a photo of him with soccer star David Beckham.

“Soccer’s my first love, Kicking’s easy … like riding a bike,” he said. “I can kick them from 50, 60 yards, left or right hash mark. … I kicked all through high school.”

The Bengals career leader in catches and yards receiving powered the ball through the uprights, a task that can be tough if not done regularly.

Ochocinco also caught 3 passes for 69 yards.