History of Cincinnati Bengals in Timeline
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team located in Cincinnati, Ohio. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. The team's home stadium is Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati.
1912: Cincinnati Reds Begin Playing at Crosley Field
The Cincinnati Reds began playing their home games at Crosley Field in 1912.
1937: Previous Cincinnati Bengals Team (1937-1942)
A previous iteration of the Cincinnati Bengals existed from 1937 to 1942.
1940: Cincinnati Bengals Join Third American Football League
The Cincinnati Bengals became part of the third American Football League in 1940.
1941: World War II Halts Third American Football League
The third American Football League, which the Cincinnati Bengals had joined in 1940, ceased operations in 1941 due to World War II's impact.
1942: End of Earlier Cincinnati Bengals Team
The previous Cincinnati Bengals team ceased operations in 1942.
1946: George "Red" Bird begins working with Paul Brown
George "Red" Bird worked as the music and entertainment director for the Cleveland Browns starting in 1946, marking the beginning of his professional relationship with Paul Brown.
1957: Dodgers and Giants Relocate to California
The Brooklyn Dodgers relocated to Los Angeles and the New York Giants relocated to San Francisco in 1957.
1960: Founding of the American Football League
The American Football League (AFL) was founded in 1960.
1966: AFL and NFL Agree to Merge
The American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) reached an agreement to merge in 1966.
May 23, 1967: Bengals Franchise Approved by the AFL
On May 23, 1967, the Bengals franchise was officially approved by the American Football League (AFL).
1967: Paul Brown Granted AFL Franchise
In 1967, Paul Brown was granted a franchise in the American Football League.
1968: Bengals' Inaugural Season
The Cincinnati Bengals played their inaugural season in 1968.
1968: Bengals Debut with Cleveland-Inspired Uniforms
The Cincinnati Bengals, under the leadership of Paul Brown, debuted in 1968 with uniforms resembling those of the Cleveland Browns, as Brown owned the equipment from his previous team.
1968: Bengals Join the American Football League
The Cincinnati Bengals were founded and began play in the American Football League (AFL) in 1968.
1968: "The Bengal Growl" is introduced
George "Red" Bird, the Cincinnati Bengals' entertainment director, wrote the team's fight song, "The Bengal Growl," in 1968. Bird, a longtime friend of Paul Brown's, drew inspiration from the Cleveland Browns' fight song.
1968: Bengals Begin Play
The Cincinnati Bengals played their first season in 1968.
1968: Inaugural Season for the Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals played their first season in 1968, finishing with a 3-11 record. During this inaugural season, they played their home games at Nippert Stadium and held training camp at Wilmington College.
1968: Bill Walsh Joins Bengals as Assistant Coach
Bill Walsh began his tenure as assistant coach for the Bengals in 1968, during which he developed the West Coast offense.
1969: Bengals' Second Season in the AFL
The Cincinnati Bengals played their second season in the American Football League (AFL) in 1969.
1970: Bengals and Steelers Become Division Rivals
The Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers became division rivals in 1970, marking the beginning of their twice-yearly matches.
1970: Bengals Move to Riverfront Stadium
The Cincinnati Bengals moved to Riverfront Stadium in 1970, sharing the stadium with the Cincinnati Reds.
1970: Bengals Join the National Football League
The Cincinnati Bengals joined the National Football League (NFL) in 1970 following the merger of the AFL and NFL.
1970: Completion of AFL-NFL Merger
The merger of the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) was finalized in 1970.
1970: Merger of AFL and NFL
The AFL and NFL officially merged in 1970.
1970: Bengals Wear White at Home
Breaking from tradition, the Bengals wore their white uniforms for all home games during the 1970 season and for most of the 1971 season.
1970: Cleveland Browns Join AFC Central, Sparking Rivalry with Bengals
In 1970, the Cleveland Browns joined the AFC Central, the same division as the Cincinnati Bengals, following the AFL-NFL merger. This move instantly ignited a rivalry between the two teams, fueled by the history between Paul Brown and Art Modell.
1970: Riverfront Stadium Opens
Riverfront Stadium, a multi-purpose facility in Cincinnati, opened in 1970 in time for the NFL season.
1971: Virgil Carter Leads NFL in Pass Completion Percentage
Bengals quarterback Virgil Carter, utilizing Bill Walsh's innovative system, led the NFL in pass completion percentage in 1971.
1971: Continuation of White at Home
The Cincinnati Bengals continued to wear their white jerseys for home games for the majority of the 1971 season, following their decision to do so throughout the 1970 season.
1972: Ken Anderson Becomes Bengals' Starting Quarterback
Ken Anderson took over as the Bengals' starting quarterback in 1972, building upon the success of the West Coast offense.
1975: End of Paul Brown's Coaching Tenure
Paul Brown concluded his tenure as the Bengals' head coach in 1975.
1975: Bengals Achieve Highest Winning Percentage
The Bengals achieved their highest winning percentage in franchise history in 1975 with an 11-3 record. Despite this success, they only earned a wild card spot in the playoffs, ultimately losing to the Oakland Raiders.
1975: Bengals Showcase West Coast Offense
The Bengals, led by quarterback Ken Anderson, demonstrated the effectiveness of the West Coast offense in a nationally televised game against the Buffalo Bills in 1975.
1978: Hudy Beer's Popularity
From 1978 to the late 1980s, Hudy beer, produced by the Hudepohl Brewing Company, was a popular choice in Cincinnati.
1980: Introduction of TV Numbers and Black Face Masks
The Cincinnati Bengals added "TV numbers" to their jerseys for the first time in 1980 and changed their helmet face mask color from gray to black.
1980: First recorded use of the full "Who Dey" chant
The full "Who Dey" chant, as used by Cincinnati Bengals fans today, was first documented in 1980. One theory suggests it originated from a popular Red Frazier Ford commercial airing at the time.
1980: Bengals Triumph over Steelers
The Bengals, led by Anderson and coach Forrest Gregg, achieved a significant victory against their rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in 1980, overcoming their typically formidable defense.
1980: The Emergence of "Who Dey" Chant
During the 1980 season, the "Who Dey" chant organically emerged at Cincinnati Bengals games. It stemmed from interactions between fans and vendors selling Hudy beer at Riverfront Stadium.
1981: Ken Anderson Earns NFL MVP Title
Ken Anderson was honored as the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1981, solidifying his reputation as a skilled quarterback.
1981: Bengals Introduce New Helmet Design
The Cincinnati Bengals adopted their current helmet design, featuring stripes, in 1981.
1981: Bengals' First AFC Championship
The Cincinnati Bengals won their first AFC Championship in 1981.
1981: The Debut of the Iconic Tiger Stripes
The Cincinnati Bengals introduced their iconic orange helmets with black tiger stripes in 1981, a significant departure from their previous Cleveland-inspired uniforms.
1982: Ken Anderson Sets Single-Season Completion Percentage Record
Ken Anderson etched his name in NFL history by setting a new record for completion percentage in a single season with an impressive 70.66% in 1982.
1982: Bengals End Playoff Drought, Begin New Streak
The Bengals made back-to-back playoff appearances in 2011 and 2012, marking the first time they achieved this since 1982. However, they lost in the first round both years.
1983: New Orleans Saints officially adopt "Who Dat?"
Although used by Louisiana high school fans for years, the phrase "Who Dat?" was officially embraced by the New Orleans Saints in 1983, adding to the debate surrounding the origins of similar chants.
1984: Colts Relocate to Indianapolis
The Baltimore Colts relocated to Indianapolis in 1984.
1984: Bengals Debut No-Huddle Offense
The Cincinnati Bengals first utilized the no-huddle offense in 1984, marking the beginning of a significant shift in offensive strategies within the NFL.
1988: Bengals Popularize No-Huddle Offense
In 1988, Bengals head coach Sam Wyche and offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet revolutionized the game by adopting the no-huddle offense as their standard approach, leading to rule changes by the NFL.
1988: Bengals' Second AFC Championship
The Cincinnati Bengals won their second AFC Championship in 1988.
1989: Bills Implement No-Huddle Offense
Inspired by the Bengals' success, Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy implemented his version of the no-huddle offense in 1989, further popularizing the strategy.
1989: Return to the Super Bowl
The Cincinnati Bengals reached Super Bowl LVI in 2021, marking their first Super Bowl appearance since 1989.
1990: Bengals Reach Playoffs, Fall Short of Super Bowl
The Bengals made a playoff appearance in 1990, reaching the second round before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Raiders.
1990: Bengals End Playoff Drought
The Cincinnati Bengals won their first playoff game in 2021 since 1990, breaking a long-standing drought for the franchise.
1990: Start of a Difficult Era for the Bengals
Following the 1990 season, the Cincinnati Bengals entered a period of struggle, marked by a lack of winning seasons and playoff appearances.
1990: Bengals Struggle, Leading to Marvin Lewis Hiring
Following a period of struggles, culminating in their worst record in franchise history (2-14), the Bengals hired Marvin Lewis as head coach in 2003.
1991: Paul Brown Passes Away
Paul Brown, the founder and first coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, passed away in 1991.
1997: Leaping Tiger Logo and Uniform Updates
In 1997, the Cincinnati Bengals added a leaping tiger logo to their uniform sleeves, further distinguishing their identity.
2000: Dick LeBeau Becomes Bengals' Head Coach
Dick LeBeau, the innovator behind the zone blitz, stepped into the role of head coach for the Bengals in 2000.
2000: Bengals Move to Paul Brown Stadium
In 2000, the Bengals moved from Riverfront Stadium to their current home, Paul Brown Stadium.
2002: Dick LeBeau's Tenure as Head Coach Concludes
Dick LeBeau's time as the Bengals' head coach came to an end in 2002.
2002: Bengals Tie Worst Record in Franchise History
The Cincinnati Bengals finished the 2019 season with a 2-14 record, tying their worst record in history, previously set in 2002.
2003: Bengals Draft Carson Palmer, Jon Kitna Wins Comeback Player of the Year
The Bengals drafted quarterback Carson Palmer in 2003, but he didn't play as Jon Kitna, who had a comeback year and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year, started.
2004: New Tiger Stripe Pattern and Alternate Jersey
The Cincinnati Bengals introduced a new tiger stripe pattern to their uniforms in 2004, along with an alternate orange jersey.
2004: Steelers' Dominance over Bengals Increases After Roethlisberger Drafting
The Pittsburgh Steelers' dominance in the Bengals-Steelers rivalry escalated after drafting Ben Roethlisberger in 2004, boasting a 28-7 record since then.
2005: White Jerseys for September Home Games
Since 2005, the Cincinnati Bengals adopted the practice of wearing white jerseys for home games in September to combat potential heat issues.
2005: Intense Playoff Match Between Bengals and Steelers
The Bengals and Steelers faced off in the Wild Card round of the 2005 playoffs, a game remembered for its intensity and a significant injury to Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer caused by Steelers defensive tackle Kimo Von Oelhoffen.
2005: Bengals Return to Playoffs with Carson Palmer
Under Carson Palmer, who became the starting quarterback in 2004, the Bengals reached the playoffs in 2005 for the first time since 1990, but they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2007: Bengals Celebrate 40th Anniversary with All-Time Team
In 2007, the Cincinnati Bengals celebrated their 40th anniversary by having fans vote on an all-time team.
2009: Bengals Achieve First-Ever Division Sweep, Marvin Lewis Wins Coach of the Year
The Cincinnati Bengals returned to playoffs in 2009 and achieved their first-ever division sweep. This impressive accomplishment earned Marvin Lewis the NFL Coach of the Year Award.
2010: Carson Palmer Demands Trade, Retires, and is Traded
After the Bengals refused to trade him, quarterback Carson Palmer announced his retirement from the NFL in 2010. However, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders later that year.
2010: Bengals Experience Setback After Successful Season
Following their successful 2009 season, the Bengals regressed in 2010, finishing with a disappointing 4-12 record.
2010: Dalton's Playoff Streak Ends
The Bengals missed the playoffs in 2016 for the first time since 2010, marking the first time Andy Dalton didn't lead the team to the postseason as starting quarterback.
2011: Dalton and Green Set Rookie Record, but Bengals Fall in Playoffs
Andy Dalton and A.J. Green had a record-setting rookie season in 2011, becoming the most prolific rookie WR-QB duo ever. Despite this, the Bengals lost to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.
2011: Mike Brown Ranked Among Worst Owners
In 2011, a survey ranked Mike Brown among the worst owners in American professional sports.
2011: Bengals Draft A.J. Green and Andy Dalton
In the 2011 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected wide receiver A.J. Green in the first round and quarterback Andy Dalton in the second round.
2011: Mike Brown Becomes Majority Owner
Mike Brown, son of Paul Brown, became the majority owner of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011.
2012: Who Dey the Tiger Joins Cincinnati Zoo
In 2012, a Malayan tiger named Who Dey arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden after being named by over 1,000 Bengals season ticket holders.
2012: Bengals Secure Playoff Berth, Face Texans Again
The Bengals clinched a playoff spot in 2012 with a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They faced the Houston Texans in the first round of the playoffs, losing a close game.
2013: Bengals Win AFC North, Suffer Another Playoff Disappointment
The Bengals won the AFC North in 2013, finishing with an impressive 11-5 record. However, their playoff struggles continued as they were defeated by the San Diego Chargers in the wild card round.
2014: Bengals Make Franchise History with Four Straight Playoff Appearances
The Bengals had a mixed 2014 season, experiencing both highs and lows, but they still managed to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, a franchise first. They ultimately lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the first round.
2015: Bengals' Playoff Losing Streak Continues, Set Unwanted Record
The Bengals started strong in 2015, achieving a franchise-best 8-0 record. However, they lost Andy Dalton to injury, leading to A.J. McCarron taking over as quarterback. They lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, becoming the first NFL franchise to lose five straight opening-round playoff games.
2015: AFC North Champions
The Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North division in 2021, their first division title since 2015.
2015: "The Bengal Growl" popularity during 2015 playoffs
During the 2015 playoffs, Elizabeth Blackburn, then the Cincinnati Bengals' head of strategy and fan engagement, witnessed the popularity of "The Bengal Growl" firsthand at a Bengals bar in San Francisco, highlighting the song's enduring appeal among fans.
2015: Bengals Suffer Loss to Steelers in 2015 Wild Card Round
The Bengals and Steelers met again in the 2015 playoffs, with the Steelers emerging victorious after a costly fumble by Bengals running back Jeremy Hill late in the game.
2015: Carol Motsinger Discusses Who Dey the Tiger
In 2015, Carol Motsinger recounted the story of Who Dey, a Malayan tiger at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
2016: Bengals Look to Bounce Back
After a challenging 2016 season, the Cincinnati Bengals were hoping for a turnaround.
2016: Bengals Struggle with Injuries, Tie with Redskins in London
Injuries plagued the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016, contributing to a disappointing 6-9-1 record. Notably, they tied 27-27 with the Washington Redskins in a game played in London.
2016: Unveiling of the All-White Color Rush Uniform
The Cincinnati Bengals introduced an all-white Color Rush uniform in 2016, featuring black tiger stripes and minimal use of orange.
2017: Bengals Struggle, Lewis Gets Contract Extension
The Bengals had a difficult 2017 season, starting 0-3 and finishing 7-9. Despite rumors of his departure, Marvin Lewis received a two-year contract extension.
December 31, 2018: Marvin Lewis and Bengals Part Ways
Despite a promising start to the 2018 season, the Cincinnati Bengals experienced setbacks, including defensive struggles and key injuries. This led to a 6-10 record and a last-place finish in the AFC North. On December 31, 2018, Marvin Lewis and the Bengals mutually agreed to part ways.
December 2019: Bengals Secure First Win of the Season, Clinch No. 1 Pick
The Cincinnati Bengals, after a difficult 0-11 start, won their first game of the season in December 2019 against the New York Jets. However, they went on to lose their next two games, securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
2020: Joe Burrow's Season-Ending Injury
In 2020, during Week 11 against the Washington Football Team, Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending knee injury, significantly impacting the Bengals' season.
2020: Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins Join the Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, marking the beginning of a new era for the team in 2020.
January 21, 2021: New Uniform Design with Simplified Look
On January 21, 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals announced a new uniform design for the 2021 season, simplifying the overall aesthetic while retaining the classic striped helmet.
2021: Bengals Secure Third AFC Championship and Super Bowl Berth
The Cincinnati Bengals won their third AFC Championship in 2021 and secured their place in Super Bowl LVI.
2021: Bengals' Historic Playoff Run and Super Bowl Appearance
The 2021 season marked a turning point for the Bengals, who secured their first playoff win since 1990, clinched the AFC North for the first time since 2015, and reached their first Super Bowl since 1989.
2021: Inauguration of Bengals Ring of Honor
In 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals established their Ring of Honor. The first inductees were Anthony Muñoz, a Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle, and Paul Brown, the franchise's founder and first coach. Ken Anderson and Ken Riley were later added after a fan vote.
2021: Elizabeth Blackburn affirms "The Bengal Growl" will remain
Elizabeth Blackburn, the Cincinnati Bengals' head of strategy and fan engagement in 2021, assured fans that "The Bengal Growl" would remain the team's fight song despite efforts to revamp the team's image.
August 2022: Bengals Ranked Last in Forbes Valuation
In August 2022, Forbes ranked the Cincinnati Bengals last in their annual valuation of NFL teams with a value of $3 billion.
2022: Bengals Achieve Back-to-Back AFC Championship Appearances
Despite losing their first game in 2022, the Bengals managed to achieve an 8-game winning streak, secure the 3rd seed in the AFC playoffs, and reach the AFC Championship for the second consecutive year, a first in franchise history.
2022: Bengals Secure Playoff Victory Against Ravens
The Bengals achieved victory against the Ravens in the 2022 AFC Wild Card round, marking their only playoff win in the rivalry.
2022: Bengals Return to AFC Championship
The Bengals made a return to the AFC Championship game in 2022 but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
2022: Return of the Black-Striped White Helmet
The Bengals reintroduced a black-striped white helmet in 2022, taking advantage of the NFL's decision to rescind the "one-helmet rule."
2023: Bengals Maintain Lead in "Battle of Ohio" Rivalry
As of the end of the 2023 season, the Cincinnati Bengals maintained their lead over the Cleveland Browns in the "Battle of Ohio" rivalry with a score of 53–48.
2023: Ravens Hold Series Lead Over Bengals Despite Playoff Loss
Despite a playoff loss to the Bengals in the 2022 AFC Wild Card round, the Baltimore Ravens still lead the all-time series 30–27 as of the end of the 2023 season.
2023: Pairing the White Helmet with the Primary White Uniform
In 2023, the Cincinnati Bengals opted to pair the white helmet with their primary white uniform for two games, effectively retiring the Color Rush uniform, at least temporarily.
2023: Joe Burrow Sidelined by Wrist Injury
Joe Burrow suffered a wrist injury during Week 11 of the 2023 season against the Baltimore Ravens, causing him to miss the rest of the season.
May 16, 2024: Bengals Update Roster
The Cincinnati Bengals implemented changes to their roster on May 16, 2024.