8 Things All Cincinnati Bengals Fans Should Know
Thu, Nov 3, 2022
by
CapperTek
It’s safe to say that the Cincinnati Bengals are not necessarily the luckiest team in the NFL. However, despite not reaching the pinnacle event of American football in over 30 years, the team has some of the most loyal fans in football history.
After reaching the playoffs for the first time in many years in 2021, and following a good start to this season, things are finally looking up for the Bengals. This means fans are finally being rewarded for their steadfast dedication.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Bengals or completely new to the world of football, there are a couple of things you need to know aside from the players and the NFL lines for the upcoming championship this season.
If you want to learn more, let’s dive right in!
Named After A Kitchen Stove
In 1937, head coach, general manager, and founder of the Bengals, Hal Pennington, was struggling to name his new team. After all, it’s a pretty big decision that should not be taken lightly.
Suddenly, inspiration struck. While visiting his mother Josephine, Hal noticed the “Bengal” range on her kitchen appliances and liked the name. Thus, the Cincinnati Bengals name was born!
Though Pennington’s team faded away in 1940, it was revived by Paul Brown in 1967 and also received full franchise approval. They were eligible for a 1968 start and haven’t looked back since.
Over 50 Incredible Years of History
The 2019 season was the Bengals’ 50th as a franchise. This means they have now been well-established and in full operation for just over half a century!
During this time, the Bengals have played well over 850 games against multiple other teams in the league. Although there’s no trophy (yet), true fans of the Cincinnati Bengals never lose all of their hope.
Welcome to the Jungle!
The Bengals took the world of football by storm in 1988, accompanied by a Guns N’ Roses classic, “Welcome to the Jungle.” This was inspired by three young men (Marty Marshall, Kyle Murphy, and Dwayne DeWeese) who held a hand-painted sheet with the words “Welcome to the Jungle” on the front.
Now, the tune plays before every kickoff, keeping fans thoroughly entertained. The tradition of using the song resulted in the subsequent nickname for the team’s home field (“The Jungle”).
“Who Dey!”
Where else in the US can you walk down the sidewalk and shout out "Who Dey!" at a stranger, and receive a swift response with the same words, alongside an enthusiastic high-five? This is one of the things that makes Cincinnati so special.
There's truly nothing that can compare to being in the stadium (home or away) and cheering on the Bengals using this traditional chant and phrase. The same applies if you’re watching the game from home. It brings about a sense of unity for fans everywhere.
The Tailgate Tradition
A tailgate typically involves grilling and barbecuing food and consuming alcoholic beverages in the parking lots of arenas and stadiums. They are hosted before and after festivals, football games, and concerts.
You’ll see just about anything at a Bengals tailgate. For example, you may see some of the craziest outfits, buses that are decked out to the nines, and even lots of fans cooking up a storm. The one thing that every Bengals fan has in common with tailgating is raw and authentic excitement for their team!
They Have Won 10 Division Titles
All Cincinnati Bengals fans should know about the incredible feats the team has accomplished since the inception of the franchise.
Throughout their rich and illustrious history as a franchise, the Bengals have clinched ten division titles. This includes five titles in their current division in the AFC North (2005, 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2021) and five in the old AFC Central Division (1970, 1973, 1981, 1988, and 1990).
Old Feud With the San Francisco 49ers
Hardcore or casual fans alike can all agree on one thing: there is still a pretty intense hatred for everything related to the San Francisco 49ers and the AFC North!
The Cincinnati Bengals have made the Super Bowl very few times since the start of the franchise, two of these instances occurring in the 1980s. However, on both of these occasions, the Bengals’ quest to lift the Lombardi trophy was interrupted by the 49ers.
They Haven’t Lifted the Lombardi Trophy… Yet!
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of 12 franchises in the NFL that have never won a Super Bowl. Since the team was established, they have only appeared in three Super Bowl events — in 1982, 1989, and 2021 — but have never lifted the trophy. With a roster of some of football’s best talent, there’s no saying what the Bengals will accomplish!
Summary
If you’re a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals, these are the most important facts that you need to know. With a pretty rich history, and a loyal fan base that is truly like no other, it’s safe to say that the Bengals are one of the NFL’s most interesting teams.