The mid and late-2000s were interesting times for the Cincinnati Bengals. Newfound success under Marvin Lewis was occurring, and some larger-than-life personalities emerged to NFL stardom.
The time also came with a string of disappointments, ranging from first-round playoff losses and off-field issues. The Bengals started becoming the NFL’s bad boys, with numerous players getting arrested and the team bringing in talented free agents with other personal baggage.
That started to change a bit in the Andy Dalton era that followed, and it has been a centerpiece of Zac Taylor’s oversight of the team. Players with team captain status, other great leadership qualities, high academics, and a record for community work are tent poles to this new, successful era.