Bengals,
Today we announced an expansion to the Bengals Ring of Honor ballot.
The addition of five new nominees reflects years of careful evaluation, historical context, and internal consensus. Each nominee represents an all-time great in Bengals history, with careers defined by statistical leadership, elite performance, and enduring contributions to the franchise’s identity. Simply put: making the ballot is a huge honor.
These players join the remaining original nominees on a 12-person ballot that spans multiple eras of Bengals football - from the franchise’s early years through recent playoff teams.
As part of this evolution, the 2026 Ring of Honor class will again feature two inductees, with at least one selected from the original ballot. Beginning in 2027, the organization will transition to a single inductee each year to further enhance the prestige and significance of the honor.
“The Ring of Honor is a special tradition for fans, Season Ticket Members and Bengals alumni,” said Elizabeth Blackburn, Director of Strategy and Engagement. “To add to the Ring of Honor’s prestige and significance, we felt this evolution after its fifth season was appropriate, thoughtful and a positive move.”
The 2026 inductees, along with game information, will be announced near the start of training camp in July.
Geno Atkins* - One of the most dominant defensive tackles of his era, Atkins led all NFL defensive tackles in sacks during the 2010s while earning a franchise-record eight Pro Bowl selections for a Bengals defender.
Jim Breech - The only 1,000-point scorer in Bengals history, Breech delivered some of the biggest kicks in franchise history, including the game-winner that secured home-field advantage for the Super Bowl XXIII run.
James Brooks - A dynamic dual-threat back ahead of his time, Brooks became one of the NFL’s most productive offensive weapons during the Bengals’ rise in the 1980s.
Cris Collinsworth - Collinsworth became the franchise’s first 1,000-yard receiver and helped lead Cincinnati to its first Super Bowl while establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier pass catchers.
Carlos Dunlap* - A disruptive force off the edge for more than a decade, Dunlap ranks among the greatest pass rushers in franchise history and owns the most sacks by a Bengal in the Paycor Stadium era.
David Fulcher - A hard-hitting playmaker and centerpiece of Cincinnati’s dominant late-1980s defenses, Fulcher still holds the franchise record for interceptions by a safety.
A.J. Green* - One of the most accomplished wide receivers of his generation, Green became the first receiver in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons.
Leon Hall* - Hall was one of the NFL’s most versatile and dependable defensive backs, excelling both outside and in the slot during multiple playoff runs in Cincinnati.
Max Montoya - Widely regarded as the greatest guard in franchise history, Montoya anchored two Super Bowl teams and one of the NFL’s most consistent offenses of the 1980s.
Bob Trumpy - One of the Bengals’ original stars, Trumpy helped shape the modern passing game while becoming the franchise’s first nationally recognized tight end.
Andrew Whitworth* - A cornerstone of six Bengals playoff teams, Whitworth established himself as one of the NFL’s elite offensive tackles during his decade in Cincinnati.
Reggie Williams - A legendary leader on and off the field, Williams remains the most accomplished linebacker in franchise history and a key figure on both Bengals Super Bowl teams of the 1980s.
*New nominee for 2026
