Cincinnati Bengals Owner

The Cincinnati Bengals, formed in 1967 by former Cleveland Browns coach Paul Brown, have been a staple in the American Football Conference North. Following the AFL-NFL merger, the Bengals built a strong fan base in adjacent areas such as Louisville and Columbus. The club saw early success under Brown's guidance, winning the AFC title three times in the 1980s but falling short in Super Bowls XVI and XXIII. A period of hardship followed in the 1990s and early 2000s, with the Bengals garnering the nickname "The Bungles'' for their erratic play. Despite the lack of a professional general manager, the team had a revival in the mid-2000s, becoming consistent postseason challengers.

A watershed moment happened in 2021 when the Bengals won their first playoff game in 31 years and advanced to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1988. Despite their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI, the Bengals remain a force to be reckoned with in the AFC North.

Who owns the Cincinnati Bengals?

Michael Brown is an American football executive who owns the Cincinnati Bengals, who took over control after his father, Paul Brown’s death in 1991. The Cincinnati Bengals came into being in 1967, coached by Paul Brown. Their name was a reference to the city's zoo and former football teams. The orange and black color palette, likely a homage to Brown's old school team at Massillon Washington High School, was accompanied by a simple logo. The AFL, where the Bengals originated, was merging with the NFL. This created a rare opportunity: a sizable expansion fee for the AFL and a quick path to the major leagues for the Bengals.

However, a new stadium was necessary. Crosley Field, the Cincinnati Reds' ageing ballpark, posed issues for the community and its owner. Enterprising administrators devised a solution: a multi-purpose stadium on the riverfront, shared by the Bengals and Reds, that would be finished by 1970. This stadium contract, combined with the merger, cleared the door for the Bengals' NFL debut.