Bengals To Induct Chad Johnson, Boomer Esiason Into Ring Of Honor
The Cincinnati Bengals are firmly establishing the legacy of two former players as an integral part of their organization. Chad Johnson and Boomer Esiason were officially announced to be the next inductees into the Bengals Ring of Honor on Thursday.
The two will receive the honor during a halftime ceremony of the Bengals’ Week 3 Super Bowl 56 rematch against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football.
Esiason was a second-round pick in the 1984 Draft and Cincinnati’s quarterback for ten years. Over that time, he climbed up to No. 3 all-time in franchise history in passing yards with 27,149 yards. Esiason is also 3rd all-time in passing touchdowns with 187.
Boomer’s leadership defined a glorious era for the Bengals, highlighted by a Super Bowl appearance in 1988. Esiason won MVP that year and was a first-team All-Pro honoree. Additionally, he went to four Pro Bowls and was the 1995 Walter Payton Man of the Year.
Johnson, a second-round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, put the team on the map with his crisp route running, quick feet and humorous celebrations in the end zone.
While he became an incredibly polarizing player, Johnson is the Bengals’ all-time leader in receiving yards (10,783), receptions (751), and touchdowns (66). Johnson, who was Ochocinco from 2008-2012, was a three-time first-team All-Pro and led the league with 1,369 yards in 2006.
“They were both exceptional players,” Bengals president Mike Brown said, via Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “If you look at the statistics, Boomer has a long list of quarterback firsts here. And Chad was a superb athlete who was probably the quickest receiver we have had here. They had moments when they just carried the team by themselves.”
The pair join an illustrious list of former Bengals that includes team founder Paul Brown, Anthony Muñoz, Ken Anderson, Ken Riley, Isaac Curtis and Willie Anderson.
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