The Cincinnati Bengals first competed professionally in 1968, but they still have yet to find a Super Bowl victory. Even though the Bengals haven't won a Super Bowl, they have still had some elite teams that have changed the direction of their franchise. The Bengals have had three players who have played on their team make it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Let's look at the five greatest Bengals players of all time.
5. Boomer Esiason
Boomer Esiason was selected with the 38th overall pick in the 1984 draft by the Bengals. Esiason spent his first eight years of his career with the Bengals. He didn't have a good year each season, but he was a solid player and quickly become a fan favorite.
His best season with Cincinnati was in 1988, when he led the team to a 12-4 record by throwing for 3,572 yards and 28 touchdowns. Esiason won the MVP for his performance that season. He then led the Bengals all the way to Super Bowl XXIII, where they were knocked off by Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers.
After leaving the Bengals, he played with the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals. He did return to Cincinnati for the 1997 season before hanging up his cleats.
4. Willie Anderson
Willie Anderson was a game-changer for the Bengals' offensive line when he joined the team in 1996. Anderson is often overlooked because of the teams he played on. The first half of his time in Cincinnati, the rest of the team was terrible, which led to a lot of losing. Anderson played 181 games for the Bengals and was named to four straight Pro Bowls. The Bengals offensive line wasn't great, but the one thing they didn't have to learn about was, if their right tackle would keep their quarterback upright.
3. Chad Johnson
Every time Chad Johnson stepped onto the field, you knew it was going to be a show. People remember Johnson for his touchdown dances, but the only reason people remember that is because he found that part of the field so frequently. Johnson played from 2001-10 with the team, catching 751 passes for 10,783 yards and 66 touchdowns.
His best season was in 2003, when he caught 90 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns. His attitude towards the end of his time with the Bengals turned some fans against him, but there is no doubt he is one of the most talented players to ever step onto the field for Cincinnati.
2. Ken Anderson
Ken Anderson was on Cincinnati from 1971-86, until Esiason took over the starting job from him. Anderson took over the starting job in 1972, and he found a lot of success during his time with the team.
During the 1981 season, Anderson threw for 3,754 yards and 29 touchdowns. He led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl, and even though they lost, he still is the best quarterback in franchise history. For his efforts during the 1981 season Anderson was named the team MVP. Anderson finished his career in Cincinnati with a 91-81 record. He threw for 32,838 yards and 197 touchdowns.
1. Anthony Munoz
Anthony Munoz is the best team in Bengals history, and it's really not even a debate. Munoz is the only Bengals player in the Hall of Fame because of what they accomplished when they were in Cincinnati. Munoz was the third overall pick in the 1980 NFL draft by the Bengals. He took over the left tackle starting job as a rookie, never looking back. Many consider Munoz the greatest offensive lineman in history, and if not the best he is one of the top three. Munoz also caught four touchdown passes during his time.
Bengals fans hope one day Joe Burrow takes over the top spot on this list, but for the time being it's Munoz.
Follow Us
Subscribe