But unfortunately the team folded after 2 years and despite a revival in 1940, it folded again after a season because of World War II. Paul Browns team was named after them. The original team derived their name from the rare Bengal tigers that were in the Cincinnati zoo.

The current Bengals play as part of the North Division of the AFC or American Football Conference in the NFL or National Football League.

Paul Brown was known for his innovations. He used the strategy of drafting above average students from colleges. This ensured a rather eloquent and intelligent team. In fact, most players went on to become famous in broadcasting and other professions.

The Bengals never managed to win the Super Bowl in spite of reaching the finals twice, in 1981 and 1988. They lost both times to the San Francisco 49ers.

After Paul Brown died in 1990, he left the team to his son and present owner Mike Brown. The team had a terrible period of play after that by having 14 non winning seasons in a row. Their fortunes changed after they hired Marvin Lewis as their Head Coach in 2003.

Current Status Of The Cincinnati Bengals

The star quarterback of the team is Carson Palmer who was drafted in the same year as Marvin Lewis, in 2003. In 2005 under Carson, the team reached the playoffs for the first time after 1990. Of course, they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bengals have retired only one jersey number 54, in honor of their first ever draft pick, Bob Johnson.

Contributions To NFL Culture By The Bengals

The most prominent contribution was from the “Ickey Shuffle” which was a sort of celebration dance created by Ickey Woods during their Super Bowl run in 1988. After this the NFL started penalties against excessive show of celebration which was restricted to the sidelines only.

A No Offense Huddle was commonly used by teams usually when there was very little time left in a game. Under their coach, Sam Wyche, they perfected this strategy to be used anytime in the game. This caused the other team’s defense unable to regroup for tactics or other strategies. The NFL then introduced new rules associated with this tactic which are followed to this day.

The present owner of the Bengals, Mike Brown named the Cincinnati stadium after his father and founder Paul Brown and refused to sell the naming rights to the stadium.