79 days until Bengals' regular-season opener

As we continue our countdown until the Bengals' regular-season opener, here's a look at the history of the No. 79 and when the number has been worn:

Steve Chomyszak ........... 1968-73

Coy Bacon ...................... 1976-77

Ross Browner ................. 1978-86

Bill Berthusen .................. 1987

Dana Wells ..................... 1989

Lamar Rogers ................. 1991-92

Ramondo Stallings .......... 1994-98

Scott Rehberg ................. 2000-03

Stacy Andrews ................ 2004-08

Brandon Thompson ........ 2012

79 isn't a number with a lot of history, and no player who has ever worn it has remained in Cincinnati for more than nine years. The longest-tenured Bengal to don #79 is Ross Browner.

The former Notre Dame defensive end and 1999 College Football Hall of Fame inductee played 10 years in the NFL, mostly in Cincinnati. He finished with 30.5 career sacks, but sacks weren't recorded during his first four years in the league.

Another former defensive lineman to wear 79 was Coy Bacon, who made three Pro Bowls (two with the Bengals) and was a 2nd-team All-Pro Selection three times (one of which occured while he was in Cincinnati). He played just two seasons in the Queen City, but was easily one of the best to ever don the No. 79 jersey for the Bengals.

As for the current Bengals, Brandon Thompson had 79 as his jersey number during his rookie campaign, but has since switched to No. 98.