There’s been a lot of heat about the number the Bengals new signal caller chose, 14. Andy Dalton just chose his same jersey from college since it was available, you can’t fault him for that choice. But many “old school” Bengals fans feel this as an insult to the Bengals rich history. As I’ve made mention before, you can’t blame Dalton for choosing his number, the blame for the injustice shouldn’t be pointed at the Bengals new franchise Quarterback, but rather the franchise itself.
The number 14 was made popular in Bengals stripes by Quarterback Ken Anderson. For those who may not be as familiar with the feats the Bengals signal caller pulled off while being under center heres a quick list of some awards and statistics.
- 1975 NFLWalter Payton Man of the Year
- 1981 NFLAP, NFLPFWA, NFLNewspaper E.A. MVP
- 1981 NFLBert Bell Award (Player of the Year)
- 1981 NFLAP Offensive Player of the Year
- 1981 NFLAP Comeback Player of the Year
- Pro Bowl: 1975 ’76 ’81 ’82
- First Team All Pro: 1981
- Second Team All Pro: 1975
- Lead the League in Pass Completion %: 1974 ’75 ’83
- Hold Record for Season Pass Completion %: 1983
- Highest Passer Rating in League: 1974 ’75 ’81 ’82
- Lead NFL is Passing Yards: 1974 ’75
So looking over those awards and milestones, it’s pretty easy to understand why so many can be offended his jersey would ever be worn again by a Quarterback. (And why this guy is a serious HALL OF FAME candidate) But in Dalton’s defense even the great Ken Anderson didn’t have any problems with the “new kid in town” wearing his number saying
"“I think it’s great. It’s been a long time since I’ve played and that was his college number. I know how special that is when you get your shot in the NFL to wear a number that’s familiar to you.”"
Realistically it can be a bother retiring past jersey numbers, because the team is still playing football in the present. If your retire too many jerseys at a position, few numbers are available to your current players. But there is a way to pay to homage to the great players of the past, that doesn’t take away jersey numbers from your current players. That Solution: The Ring of Honor.
Putting a “Ring of Honor” (or what ever name they may give it) in Paul Brown stadium can give it the much needed tribute to history it needs. In a “Ring of Honor” the Bengals can place jersey numbers and names of the franchise’s greatest players. And one of the biggest positives the Ring offers since it doesn’t require the retiring of numbers, it allows multiple players to be honored who may have worn the same number. For example: it would allow the idea of both Isaac Curtis and Chad Johnson(years later) honored wearing #85 to at least be possible.
The price for putting in a ring of honor wouldn’t be incredibly expensive either. All it would require is putting up signs around the stadium (facing the field) with players names and numbers on them. So to owners with a “cheap” reputation, it won’t break the bank to add these to Paul Brown Stadium.
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