Football Daily

The Cincinnati Bengals have woven a story of resilience, passion, and unforgettable moments in NFL history. Are you ready to dive into the heart of the "Jungle," where stripes reign supreme and Who Dey chants echo through the stands?

This series will be your one-stop shop for exploring the thrilling and sometimes heartbreaking journey of the Cincinnati Bengals. Prepare to be surprised, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear (or two) as we uncover:

Early Stripes: We'll rewind to the team's 1970 birth, navigating the tumultuous early years, the iconic orange helmet era, and the rise of legends like Paul Brown and Ken Anderson.

The Jungle Roars: We'll delve into the electrifying 1980s, a period of dominant defenses, the magical "Groundskeeper Willie" Simpson, and the heartbreaking sting of Super Bowl defeats.

Lost Decades and the Marvin Lewis Era: Buckle up for leaner years, draft day triumphs and busts, and the Marvin Lewis era, defined by stability and playoff appearances, yet yearning for that elusive Lombardi Trophy.

The Burrow Boom: The tide begins to turn with the arrival of the charismatic Joe Burrow and the electric young core. Witness the "Bengals are Back" phenomenon, the historic Super Bowl LVI run, and the promise of a brighter future.

Beyond the stats and wins, we'll explore the passionate fanbase, the iconic Jungle atmosphere, and the cultural impact of the Bengals on the city of Cincinnati. We'll meet the iconic figures, celebrate the triumphs, and analyze the setbacks, offering a holistic understanding of what makes the Bengals tick.

May 23, 1967 - The Cincinnati Bengals franchise forms in the AFL. The team was founded by former Cleveland Browns head coach the legendary Paul Brown.

Coach Brown had been the head coach of the Cleveland Browns for nearly two decades prior, after successful stints as the coach at Ohio State, military teams, and Massillon High School. Coach Brown started then looking for a way to place a second football franchise in the state of Ohio, and the emergence of the AFL had given him and the rest of his group the vehicle to do so. Paul Brown was the head coach of this new franchise from it's inception all the way until 1975, when he was still owner of the team but retired from his coaching duties, when the Bengals were in the NFL.

The Bengals franchise has seen some highs and lows. The high points were probably their winning the AFC Championship game twice in the 1980's but lost to a powerful San Francisco 49ers squad twice in both Super Bowls XVI and XXIII. The Pro Football Hall of Fame declares that three former Bengal players, in addition to Coach Paul Brown, are enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Tackle Anthony Munoz, Ken Riley, along with transplanted wide receivers Charlie Joiner and Terrell Owens.

Born August 19, 1958 - Ontario, California - Anthony Munoz was a 6-6, 278-pound offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals for 13 seasons. Anthony starred at both college football and baseball at Southern Cal. 

The big man, who also pitched on USC’s 1978 national championship baseball team, was considered one of the best offensive linemen of his generation, per a Yahoo.com report. Anthony was selected third overall in the 1980 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. During his pro career, Muñoz started in 184 of the 185 total NFL games he dressed for. He played in 11 consecutive Pro Bowls and was the NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year 3 times.

The Dominant Tackle:

-Drafted third overall in 1980, Muñoz anchored the Bengals' offensive line for 13 seasons, protecting quarterbacks and opening holes for running backs.

-He earned 11 Pro Bowl selections, a record at the time for offensive linemen, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

-His agility, strength, and technique made him a nightmare for opposing defenders, shutting down dominant pass rushers like Reggie White and Lawrence Taylor.

Beyond Blocking:

Muñoz wasn't just a protector; he also contributed offensively. He caught seven career touchdown passes, showcasing his athleticism and versatility.

In 1988, he became the only offensive lineman ever to be named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year.

Memorable Big Plays:

-His blocks paved the way for numerous Bengals' offensive explosions, including Boomer Esiason's "Miracle in Miami" touchdown pass to Cris Collinsworth in the 1985 playoffs.

-He protected Ken Anderson during his record-breaking season in 1982, where Anderson threw for 4,074 yards and 30 touchdowns.

-Muñoz's presence helped the Bengals reach two Super Bowls (1981, 1988), even though they couldn't clinch the ultimate prize.

Mr. Muñoz played in both of the Bengals’ Super Bowl appearances (XVI, XXIII), which were each narrow losses to Bill Walsh’s San Francisco 49ers. He was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade and NFL 75th Anniversary Teams. His great play in the position earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 1998.

Born August 6, 1947, in Bartow, Florida, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Corner Back, Ken Riley. Riley was a First-Team All-Pro 1983 for the Cincinnati Bengals and later was the coach of Florida A&M 1994-2003. Riley recorded 65 interceptions in his career, which was the fourth most in NFL history at the time of his retirement behind three members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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.

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Born August 21, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, was the two time Heisman Trophy Winner from Ohio State University, Archie Griffin. Griffin is considered one of the greatest college football players of all time. Griffin won four Big Ten Conference titles with the Buckeyes and was the first player ever to start in four Rose Bowls. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft. Played seven seasons in the NFL, rushing for over 4,100 yards and scoring 32 touchdowns. He also played professionally for the Jacksonville Bulls of the United States Football League (USFL).He is forever enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame since 2000.

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Born May 7, 1953, in Villa Park, California, was Harvard University’s talented wide receiver from 1972 through the 1974 season, Pat McInally. This player not only was a standout on the field but also in the classroom as well, earning the prestigious NFF National Scholar Athlete award and becoming a First Team All-American in 1974. The NFF states that Pat finished his career as the Crimson’s single-game, single-season and career record-holder for touchdowns and receptions and as the school’s leader in career receiving yards. McInally ranked second in the nation in receptions in 1973 and fourth in 1974 while also serving as Harvard’s punter. The National Football Foundation selected Pat McInally for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016. He was the only player to ever to have a perfect score on the Wonderlick Test and became the first starting Harvard Grad to play in the Super Bowl, after he became the Cincinnati Bengals. NCAAF Jersey 84

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