CINCINNATI — Two of the fiercest Bengals to ever put on the Stripes are now the two latest members of the Bengals Ring of Honor.
The Bengals Thursday officially announced running back Corey Dillon (1997-2003) and nose tackle Tim Krumrie (1983-94) as the ninth and tenth members of the distinguished club, with their names going up on the East facade of Paycor Stadium on Sept. 23 in the Monday night home game against Washington.
Dillon and Krumrie will join Ken Anderson, Willie Anderson, Paul Brown, Isaac Curtis, Boomer Esiason, Chad Johnson, Anthony Muñoz and Ken Riley in the Bengals Ring of Honor.
Dillon put together one of the most prolific careers by a running back in Bengals history during his seven seasons with the team. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing attempts (1865), rushing yards (8061) and 100-yard rushing games (28), and earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1999-2001. He owns the top three single-game rushing performances in team history, including a then-NFL rookie record 246 yards vs. the Tennessee Oilers in 1997 and a then-NFL record 278 yards vs. the Denver Broncos in 2000.
“Corey not only was strong and fast with great balance — he was durable,” said Bengals President Mike Brown. “He could take a lot of snaps. He was the one who carried the ball for us. That’s what we could do best then — run the ball. Teams recognized that and would play a heavy front against us. It didn’t matter. He would just run through them as though they were in a passing setup.”
“When I first heard the news from Mike Brown, it brought more joy to that day instantly,” said Dillon. “We had a great conversation. It means a lot. It’s my legacy. I’m happy and fortunate that this is happening at this time. I’m ecstatic about it. I have to thank the fans for the love and support. It’s been an awesome year getting to know everybody. I can’t thank them enough.”
Among the most notable draft selections in team history in terms of value, Krumrie entered the NFL as a 10th-round pick of the Bengals in 1983 and went on to spend his entire 12-year playing career (’83-94) in Cincinnati. He played in 188 regular-season games, the most ever by a Bengals lineman on either side of the ball, and earned a reputation for his tough and physical playing style. He was a two-time Pro Bowler (1987-88), and in ’88 was voted a first-team All-Pro while helping lead Cincinnati to an appearance in Super Bowl XXIII.
“Tim had heart,” said Brown. “He just didn’t stop. He was that way in practice as well. He actually liked practicing. For him, it was fun. He looked forward to it. He never stopped trying. He just thought that’s the way you did it, and it really is. Not everyone can match that.”
“I’d like to thank the Cincinnati Bengals fans for their votes and for recognizing my play on the field and the effort I put into every game,” said Krumrie. “I’m proud to have my name alongside my 1988 teammates who helped make my dream of playing in a Super Bowl come true, as well as the other deserving Ring of Honor members. I’d especially like to thank Mike Brown for giving this farm boy from Wisconsin a chance to succeed in the NFL. This is an honor beyond anything I could imagine.”
Season Ticket Members selected Dillon and Krumrie from a ballot that featured 11 individuals who have played a significant role in the franchise’s history and tradition. For more information on the Ring of Honor, visit bengals.com/team/ring-of-honor.
The Ring of Honor induction ceremony will take place during halftime of the Monday Night Football game against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 23. Fans may purchase tickets for all home games at bengals.com/tickets or by calling Bengals Fan Relations at (513) 621-8383.
