Real Bengals Fans Bleed Orange And Black

Sep 14, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals fans show support against the Atlanta Falcons at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals fans show support against the Atlanta Falcons at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bengals fans are popping up everywhere. But, what kind are you? If you don’t bleed Orange and Black, you’re just a poser.

It’s quickly approaching. Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp is just over a month away. The sounds of pads popping and tweeting whistles will fill the air around Paul Brown Stadium. The quest for another playoff berth is on the line. Bengals faithful are ready. But, the haters will be ready for combat too. If you’ve been a constant part of Who Dey Nation, you know the drill. Yet, as a Bengals fan…you can’t show fear. That’s not the way of the tiger.

It’s not easy bleeding Orange and Black. The stakes are high and the payoff can be a series of gut wrenching disappointments. Being a Bengals fan produces character. When it’s time to put on the war paint, there’s no other team that gets the adrenaline pumping. It’s easy to spot the posers. They’re the ones rooting for any team that looks postseason bound. Wearing the Stripes means all or nothing. 

Real Bengals fans never waver. It’s ride or die, until the bitter end. Per Cincinnati Bengals, the new year begins July 29. That’s when the true faithful will show up in droves. That’s when the real deal is carved out in sweat and desire. The bona fide followers will be ready. They’ll digest every detail and defend each move, like the entire season depends on it.

If you wear the moniker of a real Bengals fan, the January 9 loss has been relived over and over. In fact, the frequency of the playback rivals that of Groundhog Day. Bengals fans go to sleep, wake up and find themselves getting ready for the Wild Card game again. Bill Murray’s in the mix, wearing a Giovani Bernard jersey. Does he know what’s coming? It never stops, for the true believer. 

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As part of proper etiquette, when confronted with idiotic drivel from snobbish doubters, Bengals faithful must shout “Who Dey?!” This action will always lend an air of credibility to the level of team pride. It will also deafen the opposing offender and make them feel sheepish.

Fans will also have faith that Andy Dalton is the real deal. Bengals believers will have few doubts that Brandon LaFell, Tyler Boyd and Cody Core will deliver under The Red Rifle. Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones will become mere afterthoughts. Geno Atkins (a.k.a. The Silent Assassin) and Carlos Dunlap will take no prisoners, as they assault the sack record. Jeremy Hill will awaken from a deep slumber and remember his rookie campaign.

This…is the year. Closet and fair-weather fans are not allowed. Orange and Black is the new color of success.

Next: Just One More Chance?