History of Cincinnati Bengals in Timeline

The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division, they compete in the National Football League (NFL). Their home games are played at Paycor Stadium, located in downtown Cincinnati.

1912: Reds Used Crosley Field

In 1912, the Cincinnati Reds began using Crosley Field.

1937: Previous Cincinnati Bengals team

From 1937 to 1942, a Cincinnati Bengals team existed and played in three previous American Football Leagues.

1940: Cincinnati Bengals Join the American Football League

In 1940, the Cincinnati Bengals joined the third American Football League.

1941: AFL ceases playing due to World War II

In 1941, World War II caused manpower shortages, leading the American Football League to cease playing after the 1941 season.

1942: Previous Cincinnati Bengals team

From 1937 to 1942, a Cincinnati Bengals team existed and played in three previous American Football Leagues.

1946: George 'Red' Bird music and entertainment director for Browns

In 1946, George 'Red' Bird was the music and entertainment director for the Cleveland Browns.

1957: Teams Relocated

In 1957, New York City lost both its National League teams after the Dodgers relocated to Los Angeles and the Giants relocated to San Francisco.

1960: AFL Founded

In 1960, the American Football League was founded when the original eight owners paid $25,000 to establish the league.

1961: Art Modell Purchases Browns

In 1961, Art Modell purchased a majority interest in the Cleveland Browns.

January 1963: Paul Brown Dismissal

In January 1963, Art Modell, who acquired a majority stake in the team in 1961, dismissed Paul Brown from his head coach position at the Browns.

1964: Home Team Choice of Jersey Color Starting in NFL

Starting in 1964 the home team choice of jersey color was allowed in the NFL.

1965: Paul Brown Plans Bengals Franchise

In 1965, Paul Brown, the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns, initiated plans to establish the Bengals franchise.

1966: AFL and NFL Agree to Merger

In 1966, the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) reached an agreement to merge.

1966: Cincinnati Approves Riverfront Stadium

In 1966, the Cincinnati city council approved the construction of Riverfront Stadium, marking progress for the future home of the Bengals.

May 23, 1967: Bengals Franchise Approval

On May 23, 1967, a group led by Paul Brown secured franchise approval from the American Football League (AFL), officially founding the Cincinnati Bengals.

1967: Franchise Granted to Paul Brown

In 1967, a franchise in the American Football League was granted to an ownership group led by Paul Brown, naming the team the Bengals.

1968: Bill Walsh begins tenure as assistant coach

In 1968, Bill Walsh began his tenure as an assistant coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.

1968: Bengals Begin Play

In 1968, the Cincinnati Bengals began their inaugural season after being founded the previous year.

1968: First Season

In 1968, the Cincinnati Bengals played their first season at Nippert Stadium. The team finished with a 3–11 record and Paul Robinson was named AFL Rookie of the Year.

1968: "The Bengal Growl" Written

In 1968, upon the Cincinnati Bengals' founding, George "Red" Bird wrote "The Bengal Growl," the team's fight song.

1968: Bengals' Uniforms Modeled After Cleveland Browns

In 1968, when the team debuted, the Bengals' uniforms were modeled after the Cleveland Browns, with Paul Brown using equipment he owned from his time with Cleveland. The Cleveland Browns' team colors were brown, orange, and white, and their helmets were solid orange with a white dorsal stripe.

1970: Riverfront Stadium

By the opening of the 1970 NFL season, the new facility for the Cincinnati Bengals was ready and officially named Riverfront Stadium.

1970: Bengals Wear White Uniforms at Home

In 1970, the Bengals wore white uniforms at home for the entire season, which was unusual at the time.

1970: Bengals and Steelers become division rivals

In 1970, the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers began playing each other twice a year after becoming division rivals.

1970: Part of National Football League

In 1970, the Cincinnati Bengals became part of the National Football League and have been in it since then.

1970: Merger Completed

In 1970, the merger between the AFL and NFL was completed, guaranteeing the Bengals would become an NFL franchise.

1970: AFL and NFL Merger

In 1970, the merger of the AFL and NFL took full effect, leading the Bengals to be assigned to the AFC.

1970: Rivalry Born

In 1970, with the completion of the merger, the Cleveland Browns moved to the AFC Central with the Bengals and a rivalry was born, fueled by Paul Brown's rivalry with Art Modell.

1971: Virgil Carter leads the NFL in pass completion percentage

In 1971, Virgil Carter, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, led the NFL in pass completion percentage implementing the West Coast offense.

1971: Bengals Wear White Uniforms at Home

In 1971, the Bengals wore white uniforms at home for most of the season.

1972: Ken Anderson becomes starting quarterback

In 1972, Ken Anderson replaced Virgil Carter as the Cincinnati Bengals' starting quarterback.

1975: Paul Brown's Last Season

In 1975, Paul Brown's last year as head coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.

1975: Team posted 11-3 record

In 1975, the Cincinnati Bengals posted an 11–3 record, earning a wild card spot in the playoffs.

1975: West Coast offense gains recognition in Monday night contest

In 1975, the West Coast offense gained widespread recognition during a Monday night contest between the Bengals and the Buffalo Bills, contrasting the passing scheme against Buffalo's running game.

1978: Hudepohl Brewing Company Release

From 1978 through the late 1980s, Hudy, a leading product of Hudepohl Brewing Company, bears a phonetic similarity to the "Who Dey" chant.

1980: "Who Dey" Chant Originates with Beer Vendors

During the 1980 season, banter with Hudepohl beer vendors at Riverfront Stadium evolved into the "Who Dey" chant among Cincinnati Bengals fans.

1980: First Known Use of "Who Dey" Chant

In 1980, the "Who Dey" chant was first known to be used by fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

1980: Bengals Add TV Numbers and Change Helmet Face Mask Color

In 1980, the Cincinnati Bengals added secondary uniform numbers (TV numbers) to the sleeves and changed their helmet face mask color from gray to black.

1980: Bengals defeat Steelers twice

In 1980, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in both of their meetings.

1981: Ken Anderson named NFL MVP

In 1981, Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson was named NFL MVP.

1981: Helmet Design Adoption

In 1981, the Cincinnati Bengals adopted a striped motif helmet design, similar to one rejected earlier, and the helmets are still in use today.

1981: Bengals Introduce Tiger Stripe Uniform Design

In 1981, the Cincinnati Bengals introduced a unique uniform design featuring orange and black tiger stripes on black and white jerseys and orange helmets with black tiger stripes. Sports Illustrated likened the new helmets to "varicose pumpkins."

1981: AFC Championship Win

In 1981, the Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl XVI.

1982: Ken Anderson sets completion percentage record

In 1982, Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson set the record for completion percentage in a single season with 70.66%.

1982: Back-to-back Playoff Appearances

In 2012, the Cincinnati Bengals clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, going to the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 1982.

1983: "Who Dat?" Adopted by New Orleans Saints

In 1983, the phrase "Who Dat?" was officially adopted by the New Orleans Saints.

1984: Colts Relocation

In 1984, the Baltimore Colts relocated to Indianapolis.

1984: Bengals first use the 'no-huddle' offense

In 1984, the Cincinnati Bengals first used the "no-huddle" offense.

1988: Bengals popularize no-huddle offense and beat Bills three times

In 1988, Bengals head coach Sam Wyche and offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet made the no-huddle offense a standard tactic. Also in 1988, The Bengals beat the Bills three times (pre-season, regular season, and the AFC Championship Game).

1988: AFC Championship Win

In 1988, the Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl XXIII.

1989: Super Bowl Appearance

In 1989, the Bengals appeared in the Super Bowl before their appearance in 2021.

1989: Buffalo Bills implement no-huddle offense

In 1989, the Buffalo Bills, coached by Marv Levy, installed their version of the no-huddle offense, following the Bengals' success with the tactic.

1990: Playoff drought

Following the 1990 season, The Bengals went 14 years without making the NFL playoffs or posting a winning record.

1990: First Playoff Appearance Since 1990

Since 1990, the Cincinnati Bengals advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1990 during the 2005 season.

1991: Mike Brown Inherits Bengals

In 1991, after Paul Brown's death, his son Mike Brown inherited controlling interest in the Cincinnati Bengals.

1997: Bengals Add Leaping Tiger Logo to Uniforms

In 1997, the Bengals designed a leaping tiger logo and added it to the uniform sleeves, moving the TV numbers to the shoulder. An alternate logo of a Bengal's head was also introduced.

2000: Dick LeBeau serves as head coach

From 2000 to 2002, Dick LeBeau served as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.

2000: Move to Paul Brown Stadium

In 2000, the Cincinnati Bengals moved to Paul Brown Stadium.

2002: Dick LeBeau serves as head coach

From 2000 to 2002, Dick LeBeau served as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.

2002: Bengals Worst Record

The Bengals tied their worst record in history in 2002.

2003: Hiring of Marvin Lewis

In 2003, after finishing with their worst record, the Cincinnati Bengals hired Marvin Lewis as head coach, and drafted Carson Palmer. Palmer did not play that season and Jon Kitna voted NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2004: 8-8 Season

In 2004, The Cincinnati Bengals finished with an 8–8 record and missed the postseason.

2004: New Uniforms and Logo Introduced

In 2004, the Bengals introduced a new tiger stripe pattern and added more accents to the uniforms, along with a new logo consisting of an orange "B" covered with black tiger stripes. The team also debuted an alternate orange jersey.

2004: Steelers' Dominance Begins

Since 2004, after drafting Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers have posted a record of 28–7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, showcasing their dominance in the rivalry.

2005: Steelers defeat Bengals in playoffs; Palmer injured

In 2005, the Steelers defeated the Bengals in a playoff game marked by hard hits and injuries, including an injury to Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer.

2005: Playoff Appearance

In 2005, under Palmer, the Cincinnati Bengals advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1990, losing in the Wild Card Round to the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–17.

2005: Bengals Wear White for September Home Games

Since 2005, the Bengals have worn white for September home games due to the heat.

2007: Bengals name all-time team

In 2007, in celebration of their 40th anniversary, the Cincinnati Bengals named an all-time team, as voted on by the fans.

2009: Division Sweep and Coach of the Year

In 2009, the Cincinnati Bengals returned to the playoffs and achieved their first-ever division sweep. Marvin Lewis was named NFL Coach of the Year.

2010: Palmer Demands Trade

Following the disappointing 2010 season, quarterback Carson Palmer requested a trade from the Bengals and announced his retirement when it was refused, later being traded to the Oakland Raiders.

2010: Playoff appearance

In 2010, the Bengals appeared in the playoffs, before missing the playoffs in 2016.

2010: 4-12 Season

In 2010, the Cincinnati Bengals posted a 4–12 record.

2011: Mike Brown Purchases Shares

In 2011, Mike Brown acquired shares of the Cincinnati Bengals owned by the estate of co-founder Austin Knowlton, becoming the majority owner.

2011: Brown Rated Among Worst Owners

In 2011, a survey rated Mike Brown among the worst team owners in American professional sports.

2011: Draft Picks

In the 2011 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected A. J. Green in the first round and Andy Dalton in the second round.

2012: Bengals season ticket holders name a Malayan tiger Who Dey

In 2012, Cincinnati welcomed another tiger named Who Dey. More than 1,000 Bengals season ticket holders named a Malayan tiger Who Dey at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. He was recently traded to a zoo in Kansas.

2012: Playoff Appearance

In the 2012 season, the Cincinnati Bengals clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, going to the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 1982. However, the Bengals faced the Texans in the first round yet again and took another early exit, losing 19–13.

2013: Bengals Clinch Playoff Berth and AFC North Title

In 2013, the Bengals secured a playoff berth for the third consecutive year and won the AFC North with an 11–5 record. However, they lost in the wild card round to the San Diego Chargers, 27–10.

2014: Bengals Reach Playoffs for Fourth Straight Season

The 2014 season saw the Bengals start strong, winning their first three games. They finished the season 10-5-1 and lost to the Colts, 26-10, in the first round of the playoffs. This marked the first time the franchise made the playoffs four straight seasons.

2015: Carol Motsinger reflects on the naming of the tiger 'Who Dey'

In 2015, Carol Motsinger reflected on the event in 2012, when over 1,000 Bengals season ticket holders named a Malayan tiger Who Dey at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

2015: Bengals fans sing "The Bengal Growl" in San Francisco

In 2015, during the playoffs, Cincinnati Bengals fans were heard singing "The Bengal Growl" at a bar in San Francisco.

2015: Bengals Tie Franchise Record but Suffer Playoff Loss

In 2015, the Bengals achieved a franchise-best 8–0 start but lost quarterback Andy Dalton to injury in Week 14. They finished with a 12–4 record and lost to the Steelers in the Wild Card round, marking their fifth straight opening-round playoff loss.

2015: AFC North Title

In 2015, the Bengals won the AFC North before their 2021 win.

2015: Steelers defeat Bengals in playoffs after Hill fumble

In 2015, the Steelers defeated the Bengals in the playoffs after Bengals running back Jeremy Hill fumbled the ball in the final minutes, leading to a game-winning field goal for the Steelers.

2016: Rough Season for Bengals

Following a rough 2016 season, the Bengals looked forward into 2017.

2016: Bengals Unveil Color Rush Uniform

In 2016, the Bengals unveiled their all-white Color Rush alternate uniform, featuring black tiger stripes along the sleeves and pants. Orange was used on the Nike mark, team logo, and as an outline color on the player's name.

2016: Bengals Miss Playoffs Due to Injuries and Tie Game

The 2016 season was frustrating for the Bengals, as they finished with a 6–9–1 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Injuries to key players and a 27-27 tie against the Washington Redskins in London contributed to their struggles in 2016.

2017: Bengals Finish Season with Come-From-Behind Wins

After a slow start in 2017, the Bengals finished with a 7–9 record, highlighted by come-from-behind victories over the Lions and Ravens. These wins led to Marvin Lewis receiving a new two-year contract.

2017: Bengals create a 50th anniversary team

In 2017, to celebrate their 50th anniversary, the Cincinnati Bengals created a team based on "career statistics, team records and votes from the Bengals First 50."

December 31, 2018: Marvin Lewis and Bengals Mutually Part Ways

On December 31, 2018, Marvin Lewis and the Bengals mutually agreed to part ways after three straight losing seasons. This decision came with one year remaining on Lewis's contract.

December 2019: Bengals Secure No. 1 Overall Pick in 2020 NFL Draft

In December 2019, the Bengals secured their first win of the season against the Jets, but a loss to the Dolphins clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. The Bengals finished the 2019 season with a 2–14 record.

2020: Bengals Clinch No. 1 Overall Pick in NFL Draft

In 2020, the Bengals clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft after a poor 2019 season.

2020: Joe Burrow's Season-Ending Injury

In 2020, the Bengals improved with rookies Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins but lost Joe Burrow to a season-ending knee injury in Week 11. They finished the season with a 4–11–1 record.

January 21, 2021: Bengals Announce New Uniform Design

On January 21, 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals announced a new uniform design to be worn beginning with the 2021 NFL season. The design retains the striped helmet but simplifies the look by removing panels, creating a new stripe pattern for the sleeves, and removing the number block shadow. The shade of orange was changed as well.

2021: Elizabeth Blackburn comments on "The Bengal Growl"

In 2021, Elizabeth Blackburn, the Cincinnati Bengals' head of strategy and fan engagement, reaffirmed that "The Bengal Growl" would remain the team's fight song.

2021: Bengals Win AFC North and Advance to Super Bowl

In 2021, the Bengals won the AFC North with a 10–7 record, their first division title since 2015. Led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, they advanced to their first Super Bowl since 1989, ultimately losing to the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI, 23-20.

2021: Bengals Inaugural Ring of Honor Class

In 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals announced the beginning of a Ring of Honor. The inaugural class included Anthony Muñoz and Paul Brown.

2021: AFC Championship Win

In 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl LVI.

2021: Playoff Win and Super Bowl Appearance

In 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals won their first playoff game in 31 years and advanced to Super Bowl LVI, losing to the Los Angeles Rams 23–20.

August 2022: Bengals Ranked Last in Value

In August 2022, a Forbes article ranked the Cincinnati Bengals last in value among NFL teams, estimating their worth at $3 billion.

2022: Bengals Unveil Alternate White Helmet and Color Rush Uniform

In 2022, the Bengals unveiled an alternate black-striped white helmet after the NFL rescinded the "one-helmet rule." The team also brought back the all-white Color Rush uniform to be paired with the white helmets.

2022: AFC Championship Loss

In 2022, the Cincinnati Bengals advanced to the AFC Championship game but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 23–20.

2022: Bengals win playoff meeting against Ravens

In 2022, the Cincinnati Bengals won their only playoff meeting against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card round.

2022: Bengals Reach AFC Championship Game for Second Straight Year

In the 2022 NFL season, the Bengals finished with a strong record and reached the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year. However, they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 23–20, in another thrilling game.

2023: Color Rush Uniform Retiring

In 2023, the team decided to pair the white helmet with the primary white uniform for two games, effectively retiring the Color Rush uniform for the time being.

2023: Joe Burrow's Season-Ending Wrist Injury

In the 2023 season, Joe Burrow suffered a wrist injury in Week 11, ending his season. Despite this, backup quarterback Jake Browning kept the Bengals in postseason contention. The Bengals finished the season with a 9–8 record and missed the playoffs.

2024: Bengals-Ravens Series Record

As of the 2024 season, the Baltimore Ravens lead the all-time series against the Cincinnati Bengals 32–27.

2024: Orange pants added to uniform rotation and unveiling of all-orange uniform

In 2024, the Cincinnati Bengals added orange pants to the uniform rotation after Madden NFL 25 leaked the option to the public. Subsequently, the Bengals unveiled a new all-orange uniform combination, scheduled to be worn on September 8 against the Patriots in 2024.

2024: Bengals Miss Playoffs Despite Strong Finish

In the 2024 season, the Bengals finished with a 9–8 record for the second straight season, missing the playoffs. Joe Burrow led the NFL in passing yards, Ja'Marr Chase won the triple crown, and Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks.

April 3, 2025: Bengals Executive Discusses Stadium Lease Options

On April 3, 2025, Bengals executive V.P. Katie Blackburn discussed the team's lease options for Paycor Stadium, mentioning the possibility of relocating after the current lease expires. The Bengals were in negotiations with the city and county regarding stadium renovations and lease terms. The Bengals proposed a $120 million renovation of the stadium with most of the funds raised from taxpayers.