Cincinnati Bengals to Induct Two New Members into Ring of Honor

The Cincinnati Bengals are set to introduce two new members to the Ring of Honor on Nov. 1 when they take on the Tennessee Titans. James Brooks and Bob Trumpy will join the ranks this year, becoming the next franchise legends to be etched in team history.

Brooks and Trumpy were selected from a list of 12 nominees, including all-time greats like Cris Collinsworth, A.J. Green and Andrew Whitworth. 

James Brooks

Brooks is widely considered one of the greatest running backs in franchise history and served as one of the most versatile offensive weapons of his era. He joined the Bengals before the 1984 season after being acquired from the San Diego Chargers and quickly became a cornerstone of Sam Wyche's no-huddle offense.

In eight seasons with Cincinnati, Brooks rushed for a then-franchise-record 6,447 yards, a total that now ranks second in team history. He added 297 receptions for 3,012 yards, totaling 9,459 yards from scrimmage and 64 touchdowns as a Bengal, showcasing his ability as both a runner and receiver.

Brooks eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards three times and recorded five seasons with at least 900 rushing yards. His 1989 campaign stands out among the rest, as he rushed for 1,239 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He was selected to four Pro Bowls from 1986-90 and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 1986. Brooks also played a pivotal role in the Bengals' run to Super Bowl XXIII in 1988, finishing the season with more than 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns.

Known for his hard-nosed running style despite standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 180 pounds, Brooks excelled in every facet of the game. He thrived as one of the NFL's most explosive playmakers, an elite pass catcher and an exceptional pass blocker from the running back position. His career average of 4.73 yards per carry remains among the best in NFL history for running backs with at least 1,600 carries. Brooks retired as Cincinnati's leading rusher and remains one of the franchise's most decorated offensive players, cementing his place among the organization's all-time greats.

Bob Trumpy

Trumpy was one of the original Bengals who helped establish the franchise during its formative years in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Selected in the 12th round of the 1968 AFL Draft out of Utah, the athletic tight end spent all 10 seasons of his NFL career with Cincinnati.

At a time when tight ends were not viewed as primary pass catchers, Trumpy became one of professional football's premier receiving threats, finishing his career with 298 receptions for 4,600 yards and 35 touchdowns. His 35 touchdown receptions remain the most by a tight end in Bengals history.

Trumpy enjoyed a breakout season in 1969, earning first-team All-AFL honors after recording 37 receptions for 835 yards and nine touchdowns. He went on to earn four Pro Bowl selections and became the only player in franchise history to receive Pro Bowl honors in both the AFL and NFL following the merger. His combination of size, speed and downfield ability made him one of the league's most dangerous pass-catching tight ends throughout the 1970s.

Following his retirement from football, Trumpy built a distinguished broadcasting career, working for CBS, NBC and Westwood One, where he called NFL games, the Olympics and Ryder Cups. He became one of football's most recognizable voices and earned the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his contributions to sports broadcasting.

Trumpy remained a beloved ambassador for the Bengals until his passing in 2025, leaving behind a legacy as both one of the franchise's first stars and one of football's most respected broadcasters.