Bengals release statement on passing of Ken Riley

On Sunday, the Bengals lost one of their all-time greats, as Ken Riley passed away at the age of 72.

One of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play the game, Riley finished his 15-year career with 65 interceptions, which is still tied for the fifth-most in NFL history. He’s arguably the best defensive player to ever wear Bengals stripes.

Now, Bengals owner Mike Brown has released a statement on the passing of Riley.

“Everybody here loved Kenny,” said Brown. “He had everyone’s respect. He was a success with us, and after his playing career as a coach and athletic director at Florida A&M.

“When he came here, Kenny and Lemar Parrish had never played cornerback, and they’re the two best we’ve ever had. And we’ve had a lot of good ones. We put him over there for a decade and a half and we didn’t have to worry about it. Kenny was quick to the point of the ball as a great interceptor and he was an excellent tackler, even though he wasn’t a very big man.

“I’m going to miss him. He was a good guy and a solid man. We send our condolences to his family.”

While Riley has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he has already been inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Riley and his family.