Being recognized for having a great career is one of the highest points of a player’s life after retirement. The Cincinnati Bengals are inducting two players into the team’s Ring of Honor and making those players receive the recognition they deserve.
The team announced on Thursday that quarterback Boomer Esiason and wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson will be inducted into the Ring of Honor during halftime of the Monday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 25, in Week 3. Esiason and Johnson will join Ken Anderson, Willie Anderson, Paul Brown, Isaac Curtis, Anthony Muñoz and Ken Riley in the Bengals Ring of Honor.
“Boomer and Chad were both exceptional players,” Bengals president Mike Brown said in a statement. “If you look at the statistics, Boomer has a long list of quarterback firsts here. And Chad was a superb athlete who was probably the quickest receiver we have had here. They could have moments when they just carried the team by themselves. Both players are very deserving of this honor.”
Boomer Esiason
A second-round pick in 1984, Esiason led the Bengals offense for a decade in Cincinnati. He was the NFL MVP in 1988 and helped the Bengals win the AFC championship that season. That was the club’s last Super Bowl trip until 2021. Esiason also made it to three Pro Bowls. He ranks third in team history with 27,149 passing yards and 187 passing touchdowns.
“I will always remember I got this because of the season ticket holders,” Esiason said. “They’re the ones who have the memories, they’re the ones who spend the money to support the team. They’re the ones who know who their favorite players are and who had the biggest impact when they were there. That’s not to be taken lightly or ever taken for granted.”
Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson
Johnson became one of the most popular and well-quoted players over his 10 years with the Bengals (2001 to 2010). During this time he changed his name to Chad Ochocinco to represent the No. 85 he wore. The wideout was a first-team All-Pro twice and made six Pro Bowl teams. Johnson’s 10,783 receiving yards and 66 touchdowns rank first all-time in club history.
“It means everything,” Johnson said. “To be shown appreciation for all the years of hard work is awesome. It’s a great honor and I’m very appreciative. I’m getting my flowers now while I can smell them. To me, this honor means much more than getting a gold
