Higgins changing number after season: I don't want to be 'Ochocinco 2.0'

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins plans to change his number from No. 85 to No. 5, the number he wore at Clemson, after the 2021 season, according to ESPN's Ben Baby.

The No. 85 jersey was most famously worn in Cincinnati by Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, who spent a decade with the Bengals and recorded the most receptions (751), yards (10,783), and touchdowns (66) in franchise history.

"I keep seeing on Twitter, 'Ochocinco 2.0,'" Higgins said Thursday. "I don't want to be a 2.0. No disrespect to Chad. He's a great receiver, this and that. I just don't want to be a 2.0 for myself, man. I want to be Tee Higgins, 1.0, No. 5."

Higgins told Ian Hartitz of Pro Football Focus earlier in September that he would change his number after scoring 10 touchdowns, but he changed his mind and will switch at the end of 2021 regardless. The NFL prohibits changing numbers midseason.

"I just got a good feeling that (Ochocinco's) number is gonna get lifted one day," the second-year wideout said, according to Baby.

Higgins made four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown in the Bengals' season opener against the Vikings.