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July 20 (UPI) — The Cincinnati Bengals announced on Thursday their plans to honor two legends, Chad Johnson and Boomer Esiason, by adding their names to the Ring of Honor at Paycor Stadium.
Chad Johnson and Boomer Esiason were elected for this recognition by Bengals season ticket holders through a ballot vote. A halftime ceremony during the Bengals-Los Angeles Rams game on September 25th in Cincinnati will be held in their honor.
“Boomer and Chad were exceptional players,” stated Bengals owner Mike Brown in a press release. “Boomer has a long list of quarterback firsts here if you look at the statistics. And Chad was an outstanding athlete, probably the quickest receiver we have ever had. They each had moments where they single-handedly carried the team. Both players are very deserving of this honor.”
Chad Johnson, 45, holds several franchise records for the Bengals, including most catches (751), receiving yards (10,783), and touchdown catches (66). Known for his entertaining touchdown celebrations and remarkable production, he spent 10 of his 11 seasons in the NFL with the Bengals.
Chad Johnson, also known as “Ocho Cinco,” led the NFL with 1,369 receiving yards in 2006. He was a two-time All-Pro and a six-time Pro Bowl selection. Johnson briefly played with the New England Patriots in 2011 and was released by the Miami Dolphins before the 2012 season.
Johnson expressed his gratitude, stating, “It means everything to be shown appreciation for all the years of hard work. It’s a great honor and I’m very appreciative. I’m receiving recognition while I can still appreciate it.”
Boomer Esiason, 62, was a second-round pick for the Bengals in the 1984 NFL Draft. As the 1988 NFL MVP and an All-Pro, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and ranks third in Bengals history with 27,149 passing yards and 187 touchdowns.
“I will always remember that I received this honor because of the season ticket holders,” said Esiason. “They have the memories. They are the ones who financially support the team. They know who their favorite players are and who had the biggest impact during their time. This should never be taken lightly or taken for granted.”
Esiason led the Bengals to victory in the 1989 AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. However, they lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIII.
The Bengals traded Esiason to the New York Jets in 1993. He also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals in 1996 before returning to the Bengals for his final season in 1997.
Other notable members of the Bengals Ring of Honor include former quarterback Ken Anderson, offensive lineman Willie Anderson, coach and franchise co-founder Paul Brown, wide receiver Isaac Curtis, offensive lineman Anthony Muñoz, and cornerback Ken Riley.
“To me, this honor means much more than receiving a gold jacket in the [Hall of Fame], honestly,” said Chad Johnson. “This is home. The fans understand the highs and lows, the good and bad times, and they accepted me for who I am. This is a warm welcome back home, a reminder that I will always be part of this community, and it means a lot to me.”
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