Cincinnati Bengals: A Franchise Forever Changed By Five Events!

Most NFL fans have no knowledge of these events.

Events that had nothing to do with each other, but each event did their part in molding a pitiful franchise.

Oh my, "What might have been!"

1) Greg Cook's shoulder injury. In only their second year in existence, Cook was drafted and named the starting QB. He led them to a 3-0 record, but was injured against Kansas City in the third game. He had suffered a torn rotator cuff and never was the same.

2) Mike Reid chooses music: Bengals first round pick in the 1970 draft. Pro bowl defensive lineman that was All-Pro four out of his five years with the Bengals. He retired after the 1974 season to pursue a career as a concert pianist. Went on to have a decent country music career. Although sacks were not kept back then, the Bengals kept track of them. He had 12 sacks in 1971, 12/1972, 13/1973, and 8/1974.

3) Tommy Casanova makes an eye-popping decision: Played from 1972 to 1977 with the Bengals. Pro Bowl safety in 1974, 75, 76, and 77. He retired to pursue a medical degree. He became an ophthalmologist and still practices today.

4) Oh no, Walsh can't go: Paul Brown retires from coaching in 1975. He chooses Bill "Tiger" Johnson over Bill Walsh as his replacement. Tiger ends his coaching career 18-15. Walsh 102-63-1, with three SB wins.

5) Paul Brown dies: August 5, 1991, with Paul Brown's passing, the torch is passed to his son Mike Brown. The Bengals record was 174-181 before Paul died. Since his death, 98-173.