If you've only followed the NFL for the last decade or so, then you do not associated the Cincinnati Bengals with postseason success. Unfortunately for the Bengals and the team's incredibly loyal and knowledgeable fan base, Cincinnati has found quite a bit of regular season success since the turn of the century, though the AFC North franchise continues to be unable to excel upon reaching the playoffs.
Nonetheless, the Bengals have brought on some notably talented players aboard for short stints in Cincinnati over the years. Majority of the players on the following list found the majority of their success atop the highest level elsewhere. As a result, these five players are often forgotten about when the Bengals are mentioned despite stringing together some stellar NFL tenures for others franchises.
Terrell Owens, WR (2010)
Longtime NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens is definitely not remembered for his time as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. He's now a Pro Football Hall of Famer after a stellar playing career atop the highest level.
However, Owens actually retired as a member of the Bengals and had a pretty productive season despite being 37 years old back in 2010-11. Over the course of 14 regular season games and 11 starts with the Bengals, Owens recorded 72 receptions for 983 yards and an impressive nine touchdowns before hanging up his cleats shortly thereafter. A six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro selection, Owens also suited up for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills along the way.
James Harrison, OLB (2013)
Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher James Harrison became a legend during his time in the “Steel City.” However, in between his two separate stints as a member of the heralded Steelers, Harrison actually suited up for the enemy as spent the 2013-14 campaign as a member of the rival Cincinnati Bengals.
Outside of the 2013-14 season, Harrison spent 14-plus years with the Steelers between 2002-03 and 2017-18. Harrison was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time Super Bowl Champion, two-time All-Pro selection and a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year. However, he wasn't able to keep the train rolling in Cincinnati.
He played 15 regular season games and 10 starts as a member of the Bengals. James Harrison tallied one interception, two sacks, one pass defense and 31 total tackles before returning to Pittsburgh the following season.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB (2012 – 2013)
This former running back was often referred to as “The Law Firm” as a result of his amazing name. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is the definition of a player that evokes nothing but positive energy from fans when his name is brought up in 2020.
He spent only six seasons atop the highest level, the most memorable of which came with the heralded New England Patriots. Green-Ellis then spent the final two seasons of his professional playing career with the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite only spending two seasons with the Bengals, Green-Ellis actually strung together two impressive campaigns in 2012-13 and 2013-14. He most notably recorded 13 rushing touchdowns in black and orange.
Green-Ellis also rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2012-13, something he did only twice as a NFL rusher. He was a model of consistency as well, missing one regular season game across those two seasons,
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB (2007 – 2008)
Current Miami Dolphins signal-caller Ryan Fitzpatrick is the definition of a journeyman quarterback. He spent two years with the Cincinnati Bengals toward the beginning of his ever-evolving NFL career.
After a stint with the St. Louis Rams to kick things off, Fitzpatrick then spent the 2007-08 and 2008-09 campaigns with the Bengals en route to serving as both a backup and starter for the AFC North franchise.
Because of all of the teams that he has suited up for over the years, it is often forgotten that Fitzpatrick received his first opportunity as a starter in Cincinnati in 2008-09. During that regular season effort, Fitzpatrick appeared in 13 contests with 12 starts while registering just over 1,900 yards and eight touchdowns through the air. In addition to the Dolphins, Rams and Bengals, “Fitzmagic” has also played for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Garrison Hearst, RB (1996)
Former NFL running back Garrison Hearst was known best for his time spent with the San Francisco 49ers. But he actually got his start with the Arizona — and Phoenix — Cardinals before spending one season as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1996-97.
Although he failed to score a rushing touchdown with the Bengals, Hearst did manage to tally 847 rushing yards across 16 regular season games and 12 starts in Cincinnati.
A two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year and two-time Pro Bowl selection, Hearst ultimately parlayed his time in Cincinnati into a lengthy and memorable stint in San Francisco.
Follow Us
Subscribe