Cincinnati Bengals to Induct Boomer Esiason and Chad Johnson into Ring of Honor
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have announced that former quarterback Boomer Esiason and wide receiver Chad Johnson will be inducted into the franchise’s ring of honor. The induction ceremony will take place during halftime of the Sept. 25 game against the Los Angeles Rams, which will be aired on “Monday Night Football.”
Esiason and Johnson are the latest players to be recognized in the team’s ring of honor, which is still in its early stages. They join the ranks of just two previous classes that have been honored by the Bengals. Esiason, who played for the Bengals for 10 seasons, expressed his uncertainty about ever being inducted due to the franchise’s hesitancy to establish the ring of honor.
“They never really ever did anything in regards to recognizing and remembering the great history of players that they have,” Esiason said in a virtual news conference. “And I do believe that the team has turned the corner over the last three, four years.”
During his time with the Bengals, Esiason helped lead the team to an AFC championship in the 1988 season. He was named the league’s MVP and currently ranks third in franchise history in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Johnson, also known as “Ochocinco,” is Cincinnati’s all-time leading receiver. He made his mark with his iconic touchdown celebrations over his 10-year career with the Bengals.
The news of their induction was delivered to Esiason by team president Mike Brown, who issued a congratulatory message in a laid-back fashion. Esiason expressed his gratitude for the honor and praised the organization for recognizing him.
Johnson also expressed his gratitude for being inducted into the ring of honor, calling it the highest honor of his career. He thanked the organization and the fan base for embracing him for who he is.
“They didn’t want me to change,” Johnson said. “They allowed me to be myself. And for that, to me, is what means the most.”
The selection process for the ring of honor class involves Bengals season-ticket holders and suite holders voting on a list of team-issued candidates. However, former Bengals running back Corey Dillon criticized the process, suggesting that it should be limited to the front office or a special committee. Esiason addressed Dillon’s comments and stated that the ring of honor is a sign that the Bengals are evolving like other franchises in the NFL.
“Esiason said. “We’re playing catch-up. Everybody’s playing catch-up.”
The timing of Esiason and Johnson’s induction aligns with the team’s recent success. The Bengals have reached the AFC championship game in the past two years, including a victory in 2022 that led to their first Super Bowl appearance since Esiason’s era in 1989.
Johnson expressed his excitement about the franchise’s growth and expressed confidence in quarterback Joe Burrow’s ability to lead the team to its first Super Bowl victory.
“Every single year, come hell or high water, regardless of what pieces might change offensively or whatever changes defensively, as long as we have Joe at the helm, we’ll be in contention and have a chance at that Lombardi Trophy,” Johnson said.
The induction of Boomer Esiason and Chad Johnson into the Cincinnati Bengals’ ring of honor is a well-deserved recognition of their contributions to the franchise. As the team continues to evolve and achieve success, their legacies will be forever celebrated by Bengals fans and future generations of players.