The **Cincinnati Bengals** are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. The team plays its home games at **Paycor Stadium** in downtown Cincinnati. ### History The Bengals were founded in **1968** by Paul Brown, a former coach of the Cleveland Browns, after he was ousted by Art Modell. Brown's vision was to return to professional football, and he chose Cincinnati due to its potential for growth and its proximity to other major cities. Initially, the Bengals played in the American Football League (AFL) before the league merged with the NFL in **1970**. ### Key Achievements - **AFC Championships**: The Bengals have won **AFC championships** in **1981**, **1988**, and **2021**, though they lost each subsequent Super Bowl. - **Division Titles**: They have captured several division titles, including recent wins in **2021** and **2022**. - **Playoff Success**: After a long drought, the team returned to playoff success in the **2021** season under quarterback **Joe Burrow**. ### Current Status Currently, the Bengals are led by quarterback **Joe Burrow**, who has been instrumental in their recent success. However, the team has faced challenges, including injuries to key players like Burrow. In the **2023** season, the Bengals finished with a **9-8** record and missed the playoffs. Despite these setbacks, the team remains a competitive force in the NFL. ### Notable Aspects - **Ownership**: The Bengals are owned by **Mike Brown**, son of founder Paul Brown. - **Stadium**: The team plays at **Paycor Stadium**, which offers a modern and engaging fan experience. - **Community Impact**: The Bengals have a significant impact on the local community, drawing fans from across the region. While the Bengals