Before his Hall of Fame career as a cornerback in the NFL, Ken Riley Sr. carved his name in college football history as a standout quarterback at Florida A&M University (FAMU).
Leading Man of the Rattlers:
From 1965 to 1968, Riley was the starting quarterback for the FAMU Rattlers, then part of the NCAA Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Under legendary coach Jake Gaither, Riley led the Rattlers to a dominant 23-7 record, capturing three consecutive SIAC championships (1966-1968).
Riley's offensive prowess shined. He accumulated impressive stats, including:
✦ 3,860 rushing yards: This set a new FAMU record at the time and remains the fifth-highest total in school history.
✦ 1,702 passing yards and 14 touchdowns: His dual-threat ability kept defenses guessing.
Known as "Rattler" during his playing days, wasn't just a big NFL football player; he was a lockdown cornerback who left a lasting impression on the Cincinnati Bengals franchise and the sport itself. Here are some key points about his career:
Career Highlights:
✦ 15 seasons: Played his entire career (1969-1983) with the Cincinnati Bengals, a testament to his loyalty and impact on the team.
✦ Interception Machine: Holds the Bengals record for most career interceptions (65), tied for 5th most in NFL history at the time of his retirement.
✦ 5 Touchdown Returns: Demonstrated his offensive explosiveness, turning interceptions into scoring plays.
✦ All-Pro Recognition: Earned Pro Bowl selections in 7 consecutive seasons (1974-1980) and received All-Pro honors 3 times.