Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor? Who should make the list

Ken Riley

A sixth-round pick in the 1969 draft, Ken Riley made an immediate impact. He started nine of 14 games in 1969, recording four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He continued to make an impact and became one of the top defensive backs to ever play the game.

Riley was a crucial piece to the 1981 Super Bowl run, recording five interceptions and one fumble recovery during the season. Throughout his 15 seasons, he recorded 65 interceptions, which ties him for fifth-most all-time in the NFL.

Riley was named to three first-team all-pros, including his last season in the NFL. He even holds the Bengals’ records for interceptions, interception return yards, and pick-sixes.

Ken Riley continues to be omitted from the NFL’s mind, but it is time that Cincinnati shows their appreciation for one of the greatest to ever play.

Willie Anderson Jr.

The tenth overall pick of the 1996 Draft, Willie Anderson held down the fort at right tackle for twelve seasons in Cincinnati. He played in 117 straight games from 1999-2007.

In thirteen total seasons in the NFL, Anderson faced nine of the top 11 all-time sack leaders and only gave up one sack. Throughout his career, only sixteen sacks were given up on his watch.

Anderson was selected to five Pro Bowls, three first-team all-pros, and one second-team all-pro. He is still extremely vocal on social media and has become a fan favorite due to his many stories about his years in the jungle.

Anderson was a semi-finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, and it will not be long before he hears his name called in Canton.

Honorable mentions:

Chad Ochocinco Johnson, Boomer Esiason, Carl Pickens, Cris Collinsworth, Carson Palmer, Corey Dillon.

There are plenty of former Bengals who will one day be inducted into the Ring of Honor, and only time will tell if the franchise will finally honor their past greats.