Bengals Beat: Andrew Whitworth, A.J. Green, Geno Atkins Among 5 New Nominees To Ring of Honor Ballot

CINCINNATI — Let the debates begin.

The Bengals Wednesday announced the addition of five nominees to the team’s Ring of Honor ballot ahead of the annual voting period for Season Ticket Members. The distinguished former players added to the ballot are DT Geno Atkins, DE Carlos Dunlap, WR A.J. Green, CB Leon Hall and LT Andrew Whitworth. They join current nominees K Jim Breech, HB James Brooks, WR Cris Collinsworth, S David Fulcher, G Max Montoya, TE Bob Trumpy and LB Reggie Williams on the 12-person ballot.

The Ring of Honor has quickly become one of the franchise’s most prestigious traditions with both ballot-nomination and induction carrying significant meaning. The newest honorees will have their names placed on the East facade of Paycor Stadium at a home game during the 2026 season.

The 2026 Ring of Honor class again will feature two inductees, with at least one being from the original ballot, before the team shifts to a single-person induction beginning in 2027. The organization, in a press release, indicated Wednesday they remain committed to the Ring of Honor being selective, rooted in lasting impact and engaging for fans each year. Those two names will become the 13th and 14th names so distinguished, joining inaugural members Paul Brown, Ken Anderson, Anthony Munoz and Ken Riley, and also joining Willie Anderson, Boomer Esiason, Chad Johnson, Tim Krumrie, Isaac Curtis, Dave Lapham, Corey Dillon, Lemar Parrish.

“The Ring of Honor is a special tradition for fans, Season Ticket Members and Bengals alumni. To add to the Ring of Honor’s prestige and significance, we felt this evolution after its fifth season was appropriate, thoughtful and a positive move,” said Bengals Director of Strategy and Engagement Elizabeth Blackburn in a statement. “We congratulate and look forward to recognizing all of our ballot nominees, which is a meaningful recognition from the franchise, throughout the voting process. We hope to see a lot of dialogue and a lot of votes on the way to this year’s class.”

Voting for Season Ticket Members will begin Monday, June 1 and end Friday, June 12. Bengals Season Ticket Member STREAK numbers will continue to be used in determining the vote totals.

The 2026 Ring of Honor inductees, along with game information, will be announced near the start of training camp in July. Information for each of the 12 Ring of Honor nominees can be found at bengals.com/team/ring-of-honor/nominees.