It was a long wait for Cincinnati Bengals great Ken Riley, but 2023 marks the year he finally entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
One of three senior finalists, Riley’s 65 interceptions still rank fifth all-time. He had a remarkable career considering he arrived in Cincinnati as a sixth-round quarterback and quickly changed positions.
Bengals president Mike Brown saw every step of that journey and reflected on it all after the announcement.
“He had never played the position, and he took to it so quickly and it was quite remarkable,” Brown said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “He would have a feel by the pattern when the ball was going to come. He would think like a quarterback. He would just sense what was going on in the quarterback’s mind as he covered.”
“Ken was a top cover corner. He could play the ball at the point of reception so well that he became one of the top interceptors of all time. And he would tackle. Only 185 pounds, he hit hard. Receivers knew they would pay a price if they caught a ball in front of him. Most of all, Ken was a smart player. He didn’t miss assignments. Ever. He was a wonderful person. He looked out for others. Everyone with all levels of the team respected him. He was a man that could be counted on.”
Many would argue Riley had to wait entirely too long based on his career, but that’s in the rearview now. The Bengals made a push in recent years to better honor past greats, and Riley was one of the first in the newly established Ring of Honor.
More reactions from Brown:
Owner Mike Brown on Ken Riley being selected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/STcHLx43nk
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) February 10, 2023
