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Cincinnati Bengals

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Cincinnati Bengals
NameCincinnati Bengals
Established1968
CityCincinnati, Ohio
ColorsBlack, orange, white
StadiumPaycor Stadium
OwnerMike Brown
General managerDuke Tobin
Head coachZac Taylor
MascotWho Dey
Fight song"Bengals Growl"
DivisionAFC North
ConferenceAmerican Football Conference
ChampionshipsAFC: 1981, 1988, 2021
Conference titlesAFC: 1981, 1988, 2021
Division titlesAFC Central: 1970, 1973, 1981, 1988, 1990, AFC North: 2005, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2021, 2022
Playoff appearances16
Retired numbers54

Cincinnati Bengals. The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football franchise competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the AFC North division. Founded in 1968 as a member of the American Football League (AFL) by legendary coach Paul Brown, the team joined the NFL as part of the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. The Bengals have appeared in three Super Bowls, following the 1981, 1988, and 2021 seasons, and are known for their distinctive orange and black stripes and the "Who Dey" rallying cry.

History

The franchise was awarded to Paul Brown in 1967, with play beginning in the 1968 AFL season. Brown, who had been instrumental in building the Cleveland Browns, named the team after the previous professional team in the city. The early Bengals featured quarterback Greg Cook and were coached by Brown himself, making a swift transition to the NFL. The team's first period of sustained success came in the 1980s under coach Forrest Gregg and quarterback Ken Anderson, culminating in an appearance in Super Bowl XVI against the San Francisco 49ers. The late 1980s, led by coach Sam Wyche and quarterback Boomer Esiason, saw a second AFC Championship and a trip to Super Bowl XXIII. After a prolonged playoff drought, a new era began with the drafting of quarterback Joe Burrow first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and the hiring of coach Zac Taylor, leading to an appearance in Super Bowl LVI following the 2021 NFL season.

Stadium

The Bengals have played their home games in Paycor Stadium (originally named Paul Brown Stadium) since the 2000 NFL season. Located on the Ohio River waterfront in downtown Cincinnati, the stadium replaced the team's former home, Riverfront Stadium, which they shared with Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds. The facility, financed largely by a Hamilton County sales tax increase, is named for the team's founder, though naming rights were sold to Paycor in 2022. The stadium is known for its open design, two large video boards, and the adjacent The Banks entertainment district.

Players and personnel

The team's ownership has remained within the Brown family, with Mike Brown serving as de facto general manager for decades, though Duke Tobin holds the director of player personnel title. Key historical players include Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Anthony Muñoz, considered one of the greatest offensive tackles ever, and wide receiver Charlie Joiner. The modern era is defined by quarterback Joe Burrow, the 2020 Comeback Player of the Year, and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Other notable figures include defensive tackle Geno Atkins, running back Corey Dillon, and cornerback Ken Riley.

Seasons and records

The Bengals' regular season record through the 2023 NFL season is below .500, with their most successful period being the 1970s and 1980s. They have qualified for the NFL playoffs 16 times, with their first postseason victory coming in the 1981 divisional round against the Buffalo Bills. The team endured a long playoff victory drought from 1991 until the 2021 wild card round win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Individual franchise records are held by Ken Anderson (passing yards), Corey Dillon (rushing yards), and Chad Johnson (receiving yards). The team's best regular season was the 1988 campaign, which ended with a 12–4 record and an appearance in Super Bowl XXIII.

Rivalries

The Bengals' primary and most historic rivalry is with the Cleveland Browns, stemming from founder Paul Brown's history with that franchise; the two teams contest the "Battle of Ohio" twice annually. The Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry within the AFC North is considered one of the NFL's most intense, marked by physical play and significant playoff implications. A notable modern rivalry has developed with the Kansas City Chiefs, fueled by consecutive meetings in the AFC Championship Game following the 2021 and 2022 seasons, including a classic in the 2021 conference championship.

Culture and community

Team culture is symbolized by the "Who Dey" chant, a take on "Who Dat?" used by the New Orleans Saints, and the "Bengal Growl" fight song. The team's striped helmet design is one of the most recognizable in the NFL. Community efforts are channeled through the Cincinnati Bengals Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and wellness programs in the Greater Cincinnati area. The team's mascot is Who Dey, a Bengal tiger, and the official cheerleading squad is the Ben-Gals. The fan base, known for its loyalty during long rebuilding periods, experienced a resurgence dubbed the "New Dey" era with the arrival of Joe Burrow.

Category:Cincinnati Bengals Category:National Football League teams Category:Sports in Cincinnati Category:1968 establishments in Ohio