To kick off Super Bowl week, the Cincinnati Bengals hosted a pep rally at Paul Brown Stadium to send the team off to Los Angeles. Here’s what went down.
In front of a sold-out crowd of 30,000, the city of Cincinnati celebrated the Bengals’ third Super Bowl appearance after losing to the San Francisco 49ers in 1981 and 1988.
This time around, the team seems primed to win it all on the national stage with Cincy’s undying support.
There were fireworks. There were MVP chants. Ja’Marr Chase hit the Griddy as he walked onto the field, and C.J. Uzomah ripped off his leg brace.
In one word: INSANITY.
.@cj_uzomah really ripped his leg brace off to get the crowd hyped at the @Bengals rally. 😂 pic.twitter.com/N7OjoOxSpb
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 8, 2022
Absolutely STUNNING! 😍 This was the view outside of Paul Brown Stadium tonight as the Bengals pep rally concluded with a fireworks show. WHO DEY! 🏈 (Photo: Jason Moermond) pic.twitter.com/AxG1SCJr5q
— WLWT (@WLWT) February 8, 2022
Former Bengals David Fulcher, Tim Krumrie, Max Montoya, Willie Anderson and Ken Anderson were also in attendance egging the crowd on, as was director of player personnel Duke Tobin.
Cincinnati Bengals receive a roaring pep rally ahead of Super Bowl LVI
Tobin was the first member of the organization to step onto the stage, a rare public appearance given how little Tobin has interacted with the fanbase in the past.
Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow also got some mic time, describing how proud they were of the team and how special this moment truly is. Joe Mixon, Kevin Huber, and fan-favorite C.J. Uzomah spoke to fans as well.
Joe Burrow introduction at Paul Brown Stadium. pic.twitter.com/XCBIoDAuT8
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) February 7, 2022
Bengals QB Joe Burrow: "I'm honored to be the quarterback for such a great organization."
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) February 7, 2022
Fans breakout in a massive "M-V-P" chant as he wraps up.
The Bengals haven’t won the Super Bowl (yet), but they’ve already won the hearts and confidence of their fans.
It’s awesome to see the stripes’ success translate into a newfound winning culture adopted by the city of Cincinnati.
Next season, many will be raring to hop on the Bengals bandwagon, but for now, the city and its O.G. fans have the team’s back. Go win that damn championship.