Ranking the Bengals Ring of Honor nominees based on legacy

8. Reggie Williams

Bengals LB from 1976-1989

Reggie Williams had one of the longest tenures out of this group with the stripes. He was highly effective and one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the sport. Williams was loaded with awards and accolades throughout his career. The Bengals official website notes:

"In a span of two years, he won the Byron “Whizzer” White Award for Humanitarian Service (1985), NFL Man of the Year (1986), and Sports Illustrated’s Co-Sportsmen of the Year (1987)."

Williams was a massive piece to the Super Bowl teams that the Bengals played in. He led the team in sacks in the Super Bowl XVI season and was second in tackles. Seven years later, in Super Bowl XXIII, he was the best defensive player on the field for the Bengals. He had a team-high ten tackles and recorded a sack to go along with it.

Reggie Williams just simply left a legacy worth remembering in the Cincinnati community on and off the field. As good of a player he was, he was just as talented and gifted off the field with the impact he had on others in a positive manner.

7. Corey Dillon

Bengals RB from 1997-2003

Corey Dillon did not have a long career with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he was still one of the highest-ranked running backs in franchise history.

Dillon leads the team in rushing attempts and rushing yards. He was a three-time Pro Bowler, and if his career lasted longer with the Bengals, there was no question that he would be the undisputed greatest running back in franchise history. There are a couple of other names that you could bring into the debate now, though.

Running backs usually have shorter careers most of the time. Still, Dillon’s production brought to the table a very formattable back and effective back that has put himself in the conversation for one of the better running backs in the team’s history.