Have you ever wondered why the professional American football team in Cincinnati is called the Bengals? It’s a unique name for a team and one that’s full of historical significance.
From origins that date back to the 1930s to the club’s current status as one of the most successful NFL franchises in the league, the Cincinnati Bengals have a rich history and a fascinating story that’s worth exploring. In this article, we’ll take a look at why the Cincinnati Bengals are called the Bengals and how the franchise has changed and evolved over the decades. So buckle up, because you’re about to learn why the team from Cincy is called the Bengals.
Why is Cincinnati Called the Bengals?
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National Football League (NFL) as part of the American Football Conference (AFC) North.The team was founded in 1966 as a member of the American Football League (AFL), and became part of the NFL in 1970 following the merger of the AFL and NFL. The team name was chosen by the team’s founding owner Paul Brown.
Brown chose the name based on the progressive nature of the franchise and the city of Cincinnati.
Different Origins
There are several theories about the origin of the word “Bengal. ” Some believe the name originates from the Bengal tiger, which is native to parts of India, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal.Other sources suggest it was chosen as a tribute to the region of Bengal, an area located in South Asia where the tiger’s habitat is located. A third theory suggests that the team wanted to pay homage to the University of Cincinnati’s former mascot, a bear named “Bengal” who was active from 1927 to 1934 and wore a red and white jersey.
The university’s former mascot is still remembered today with the presence of a Bengal tiger statue on campus.
The Logo & Name Change
In 1981, the logo of the Bengals was changed to the “Bumblebee,” which is a yellow and black tiger.This new logo was meant to represent the team’s speed in their game play and provide a strong visual representation of the team name. In 2003, the Bengals rebranded themselves as the “Cincinnati Bengals. ” The team dropped the word “Bengals” from the official team name and logo.
Despite the name change, the nickname “Bengals” remains widely used today.