The Bengals announce the 2023 Ring of Honor Class

The Bengals announced today that QB Boomer Esiason (1984-92, ’97) and WR Chad Johnson (2001-10) will be added to the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023. They will join Ken Anderson, Willie Anderson, Paul Brown, Isaac Curtis, Anthony Muñoz and Ken Riley in the Bengals’ Ring of Honor.

“Both Boomer and Chad were exceptional players,” Bengals president Mike Brown said. “If you look at the stats, Boomer has a long list of quarterbacks here. And Chad was a great athlete who was probably the fastest receiver we’ve had here. They could have moments when they held the team themselves. Both guys deserve that honor.”

Esiason is considered one of the greatest locker room leaders in Bengals history. In 1986, he earned the first of three bids to the Pro Bowl with the Bengals while leading the NFL’s most productive offense. In 1988, he led the NFL with a 97.4 passer rating and helped the Bengals win the AFC Championship. That year, Esiason was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player by the writers of Pro Football of America and the Associated Press. Esiason ranks third in Bengals history with 27,149 yards and 187 touchdowns.

“I will always remember that I got this because of the season ticket holders,” said Esiason. “They’re the ones who have the memories. They’re the ones who spend the money to support the team. They’re the ones who know who their favorite players are and who had the most impact when they were there. This shouldn’t be taken lightly or taken for granted.”