Former Bengals Running Back Corey Dillon Criticizes Franchise’s Ring of Honor Selection Process
Cincinnati Bengals’ all-time leading rusher, Corey Dillon, has expressed his frustration with the team’s ring of honor selection process. In an interview with The Athletic, Dillon criticized the current system that involves votes from season-ticket holders and suite holders. He believes that the selection should be made directly by the front office or a special committee, rather than being a popularity contest.
Dillon stated, “This ain’t a popularity contest. This is football. You are going to put in somebody who is more popular than somebody who got stats?” He further criticized the involvement of season-ticket holders, claiming that many of them have never even seen half of the players play.
Dillon, who played for the Bengals for seven seasons, was traded to the New England Patriots in 2004 after a contract dispute with the club. Despite his rocky tenure in Cincinnati, which included an arrest for domestic violence in 2000, Dillon believes that his contributions to the team should be recognized.
As the Bengals’ all-time leading rusher with 8,061 yards, Dillon believes he deserves a place in the team’s ring of honor. He expressed his disappointment with his omission, calling it “damn-near criminal.” Dillon’s statistics and achievements during his time with the Bengals far surpass those of other players currently recognized in the ring of honor.
The Bengals established their ring of honor in 2021, spearheaded by team executive Elizabeth Blackburn. Currently, there are six members recognized in the group: team founder Paul Brown, quarterback Ken Anderson, cornerback Ken Riley, offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz, wide receiver Isaac Curtis, and offensive tackle Willie Anderson. Riley will be posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining Muñoz as the franchise’s only players with a gold jacket.
Dillon’s frustration stems from the belief that he will not be recognized by his former club anytime soon. He expressed doubt that he would be included in the ring of honor, stating, “I’m pretty sure they will put f—ing Jon Kitna in there before they put me. Matter of fact, Scott Mitchell will end up in that m—–f—er before I do.”
It is clear that Dillon feels undervalued and overlooked by the Bengals organization. His impressive career with the team, including three Pro Bowl appearances and consistently rushing for over 1,000 yards, should warrant consideration for the ring of honor. However, the current selection process has left him feeling frustrated and unappreciated.
The Bengals’ ring of honor selection process has come under scrutiny due to Dillon’s comments. While involving season-ticket holders and suite holders in the voting process may seem like a way to engage fans, it has raised questions about the legitimacy and fairness of the selection. Dillon’s argument for a more direct involvement from the front office or a special committee holds merit, as it would ensure that players are recognized based on their contributions to the team rather than popularity.
It remains to be seen whether Dillon’s criticism will lead to any changes in the Bengals’ ring of honor selection process. However, his comments have shed light on the importance of recognizing players for their on-field achievements and the impact they have had on the franchise. As the Bengals continue to build their legacy, it is crucial that they consider the opinions and concerns of former players like Corey Dillon, who have left a lasting impact on the team’s history.