Cincinnati Bengals Announce 2026 Ring of Honor Nominees

The Cincinnati Bengals announced their ring of honor nominees on Wednesday, May 27, featuring some of the franchise’s best and the fans’ favorite players. 

The 2025 inductees into the ring of honor consisted of former offensive lineman and current color commentator Dave Lapham and former cornerback Lemar Parrish. 

The following players made the ballot for the 2026 season, per a Bengals release. Click here to find the full release, written by Bengals team writer Geoff Hobson: 

K Jim Breech

Playing on the Bengals for 13 seasons from 19080-1992, Breech showed a consistency that many kickers find hard to develop in the NFL. He is the only 1,000-point scorer in Bengals history, per Bengals.com. Breech made an overtime field goal at the end of the 1988 regular season, which led to homefield advantage for CIncinnati on the way to the 1988 Super Bowl. 

DE Carlos Dunlap

Dunlap was a constant presence on the defensive line alongside the aforementioned Geno Atkins, giving the Bengals a very impactful pass rush force for an entire decade. 

He had 82.5 sacks as a member of the Bengals, and he was one sack away from the franchise record. 

Safety David Fulcher

Fulcher played for the Bengals from 1986-1992, recording 31 interceptions over his eight seasons with Cincinnati. He holds the franchise record for interceptions and posted 634 tackles as a member of the Bengals, staking his claim as one of the best safeties in the NFL during that period. 

WR AJ Green

One of the better offensive players in franchise history, Green shone with a litany of contested catches during his decades-long tenure in the Bengals uniform. He made the Pro Bowl in seven straight seasons to start his career, which led to 9,430 yards and 65 touchdowns, both stats second in franchise history to Chad Ochocinco. 

HB James Brooks

Brooks was a receiving back before the position became popular in the NFL, paving the way for the modern era. Playing from 1984-1991, Brooks compiled 6,447 rushing yards and 297 receptions, which is good for 2nd all-time for the Bengals franchise in both marks. 

CB Leon Hall

Hall played the third most games for a corner this century despite missing 23 games with a torn Achilles. Playing next to Jonathan Joseph gave the Bengals one of the most reliable coverage units in the NFL during that time. 

DT Geno Atkins

Atkins was a stalwart in the middle of the Bengals' defensive line and was consistently one of the best defensive tackles in football during his time with the Bengals. He posted 75.5 sacks and made two All-Pro teams. 

G Max Montoya

Montoya made three Pro Bowls and helped lead the Bengals to two of their three Super Bowl appearances. Playing next to Anthony Munoz, Montoya helped lead the way in the running game, which the Bengals leaned on so heavily.  

TE Bob Trumpy

Trumpy was a big play threat in 1969, averaging 22.6 yards per catch under the tutelage of Paul Brown and Bill Walsh. He was also a Pro Bowler in both the AFL and NFL, the only Bengal to accomplish that feat. 

LT Andrew Whitworth

Whitworth became a staple on and off the field, protecting the blindside for the Bengals while also getting involved in the community during his time in Cincinnati. 

Despite the rocky end to his tenure, he has kept a good relationship with the Bengals after playing 168 games and helping Cincinnati to six straight playoff appearances. 

WR Cris Collinsworth

Collinsworth, mostly known for his roles as NBC’s color commentator alongside Mike Tirico on Sunday Night Football, played for the Bengals from 1981 to 1988. He went for 1,000 yards during his rookie year and reached three Pro Bowls as a member of the Bengals. 

LB Reggie Williams 

Williams leads all Bengals linebackers in sacks, interceptions, and games played, helping Cincinnati get to two Super Bowls. He was also named the NFL Man of the Year in 1987.

*All stats via Bengals.com release*