Bengals Legends Boomer Esiason and Chad Johnson to be Inducted into Team’s Ring of Honor
The Cincinnati Bengals have announced that two of their most iconic players, Boomer Esiason and Chad Johnson, will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor on September 25. The induction ceremony will take place during halftime of the Monday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Cincinnati.
Boomer Esiason, a former quarterback for the Bengals, played for the team twice during his career (1984-92, 1997). He had an incredible 1988 season, winning multiple awards, including league MVP. Esiason led the Bengals’ revolutionary offense under Sam Wyche to Super Bowl XXIII. Although they fell short in the championship game, Esiason’s performance during that season remains one of the greatest runs of quarterback play in team history.
Chad Johnson, also known as Ochocinco, is one of the most popular players in Bengals history. He spent 10 out of his 11 NFL seasons with the franchise (2001-10) and is their all-time leading receiver. Johnson was a two-time All-Pro and a six-time Pro Bowler. He had six consecutive seasons with at least 1,150 receiving yards, breaking nearly every franchise record in the process. But Johnson’s impact on the Bengals goes beyond his on-field achievements. He made the team cool again, personifying fun and winning during a time when the franchise needed someone to change their image.
The announcement of Esiason and Johnson’s induction into the Ring of Honor has received widespread praise and excitement from fans and analysts alike. The Bengals’ official Twitter account tweeted a photo of the two players with the caption, “Boomer and Chad…two of the best to ever wear stripes.”
The Bengals established their Ring of Honor in 2020 but were late in doing so, resulting in a backlog of legendary former players waiting for induction. Corey Dillon, another Bengals great, expressed frustration with the handling of the process. However, the team plans to continue inducting two players per season. Next year’s vote will be more challenging, as there are still many deserving players waiting in line for their induction.
Some of the players who remain from the original list of nominees include Jim Breech, James Brooks, Cris Collinsworth, Dillon David Fulcher, Tim Krumrie, Dave Lapham, Max Montoya, Lemar Parrish, Bob Trumpy, and Reggie Williams. Additionally, recently retired stars like Geno Atkins, A.J. Green, and Andrew Whitworth will become eligible in the future.
Boomer Esiason’s legacy extends beyond his on-field performance. He was a dynamic leader and one of the most successful quarterbacks in Bengals history. Esiason ranks third in franchise history with 27,149 passing yards and 187 touchdowns. After spending four seasons away from the Bengals playing for the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals, Esiason returned to Cincinnati for his final NFL season.
Chad Johnson’s impact on the Bengals cannot be overstated. He not only broke numerous franchise records but also brought a sense of fun and excitement to the team. Johnson’s tenure with the Bengals ended when he was traded to the New England Patriots one year before his retirement.
The induction of Boomer Esiason and Chad Johnson into the Bengals’ Ring of Honor is a well-deserved honor for two players who left an indelible mark on the franchise. Their contributions on and off the field have solidified their place among the Bengals’ all-time greats. Fans eagerly await the halftime ceremony on September 25 to celebrate these legends and their lasting impact on the team.
(Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images)