The Cincinnati Bengals are creating a Ring of Honor to celebrate and commemorate former players, coaches and others who played an important role in the team's history. The first two inductees are Paul Brown and Anthony Muñoz.Two more members will be added to the inaugural class. They'll be decided by season ticket members and suite owners using a ballot process in May.
The 17 nominees include: Ken Anderson, Willie Anderson, Jim Breech, James Brooks, Cris Collinsworth, Isaac Curtis, Corey Dillon, Boomer Esiason, David Fulcher, Chad Johnson, Tim Krumrie, Dave Lapham, Max Montoya, Lemar Parrish, Ken Riley, Bob Trumpy, and Reggie Williams.
"The Bengals Ring of Honor is a way to show our appreciation for individuals who have made a significant impact on our franchise," writes Bengals President Mike Brown in a statement. "We selected Paul Brown and Anthony Muñoz. They are in the Hall of Fame in Canton and it pleases me to put them out front as our initial inductees. We have a lot great players and coaches to honor and it will be fun to reminisce as we go about this process."
Paul Brown, Mike Brown's father, founded the team and served as its first head coach and general manager. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967 and Paul Brown Stadium is named in his honor.
Anthony Muñoz entered the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1998. He played in 11 straight Pro Bowls, two Super Bowls, was the 1991 NFL Man of the Year, and according to the team's release is "considered by many to be the greatest left tackle ever."
Of the honor, Muñoz writes, "I am humbled to be a member of the inaugural class of the Bengals Ring of Honor alongside Paul Brown. I think about all of the guys I played with when I think about this honor. The organization has had some amazing, amazing players over the 50-plus years of existence. I think it's great because now we get to celebrate all of the guys and that's what it's all about."
The Ring of Honor will be installed inside the stadium's East facade. The first inductees will be honored during a halftime ceremony during a 2021 home game.
This story was first published April 8, 2021. It is updated to include the list of nominees released on May 6, 2021.
