NFL Team Guide
Cincinnati Bengals: History, Super Bowls & Facts
Paul Brown founded the Cincinnati Bengals, who began play in the American Football League in 1968 and joined the NFL in the 1970 merger. The Bengals have won three AFC championships and played in three Super Bowls.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1968, in the American Football League, by Paul Brown |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati (opened 2000 as Paul Brown Stadium) |
| Former stadiums | Nippert Stadium (1968–1969), Riverfront Stadium (1970–1999) |
| Super Bowl appearances | 3 through the 2025 season (XVI, XXIII, LVI) |
| AFC championships | 3 through the 2025 season (1981, 1988, 2021) |
Super Bowl history
Through the 2025 season the Bengals have not won a Super Bowl. They reached the game three times and lost each by six points or fewer.
- 1981 season: won the AFC championship; lost Super Bowl XVI to the San Francisco 49ers 26–21
- 1988 season: won the AFC championship; lost Super Bowl XXIII to the San Francisco 49ers 20–16
- 2021 season: won the AFC championship; lost Super Bowl LVI to the Los Angeles Rams 23–20
Franchise history
- 1967: Awarded an AFL franchise led by Paul Brown.
- 1968: Played their first season, at Nippert Stadium.
- 1970: Joined the NFL in the merger, moved to Riverfront Stadium and won the AFC Central.
- 2000: Opened Paul Brown Stadium.
- 2022: The stadium was renamed Paycor Stadium in a naming-rights deal.
- 2025: Finalized a new Paycor Stadium lease with Hamilton County, running through June 2036.
Franchise record holders
| Passing yards | Ken Anderson, 32,838 |
|---|---|
| Rushing yards | Corey Dillon, 8,061 |
| Interceptions | Ken Riley, 65 |
Retired numbers
- 54Bob Johnson
Hall of Famers
Anthony Muñoz, Ken Riley.
Biggest rivalries
- Cleveland Browns: the "Battle of Ohio," a series dating to 1970 between two teams tied to Paul Brown.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: AFC Central and AFC North rivals; Pittsburgh won playoff meetings after the 2005 and 2015 seasons.
- Baltimore Ravens: AFC North rivals since 1996; Cincinnati won their Wild Card meeting after the 2022 season.
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Have the Bengals ever won a Super Bowl?
No. Through the 2025 season they have played in three Super Bowls, after the 1981, 1988 and 2021 seasons, and lost all three.
Who founded the Bengals?
Paul Brown, who had earlier co-founded and coached the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals began play in 1968.
What was Paycor Stadium called before?
Paul Brown Stadium, from its opening in 2000 until the 2022 naming-rights deal with Paycor.
Which numbers have the Bengals retired?
One: No. 54, worn by center Bob Johnson from 1968 to 1979.
Who has the most interceptions in Bengals history?
Cornerback Ken Riley, with 65 from 1969 to 1983. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.