Boomer Esiason, a former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and NFL Most Valuable Player, criticized the team for their lackluster accommodations for the upcoming Ring of Honor ceremony in October.
Dave Lapham, a guard for the Bengals who played all five line positions and was a key player on the 1981 squad that won the AFC championship, and Lemar Parrish, a three-time first-team All-Pro cornerback and return specialist, will be inducted during a game against the New York Jets.
Esiason, himself a Ring of Honor inductee in 2023, was invited to the proceedings. He wasn’t quite enamored with the invite, however, particularly noting that he has to pay for his own hotel room.
He revealed on his radio show that the team offered him two complimentary game tickets but expected him to pay for his own travel and hotel accommodations, despite his significant contributions to the franchise.
Esiason read out loud a letter from the Bengals to co-host Greg Giannotti on his radio show “Boomer & Gio” earlier this week.
@yahoosports Boomer Esiason was very unimpressed by the Bengals’ invitation to upcoming Ring of Honor ceremony 👀 (via @WFANRadioNY #cincinnatibengals #boomeresiason #whodey #ringofhonor ♬ original sound – Yahoo Sports
Boomer Esiason Gets a ‘Discounted Rate’ for his Distinguished Career
What started okay with Esiason receiving two free tickets to the Ring of Honor game quickly fell apart when Boomer read details of the hotel accommodations, which sounded more like a wedding invite than something you’d expect for a franchise legend.
“You and a guest can receive two complimentary tickets with an opportunity to purchase an additional one, if you wish,” he said, reading the letter.
“If you are traveling in for the weekend from out of town, we have secured a block of rooms at the Renaissance Hotel at a preferred discounted rate,” Esiason continued. “Rooms are limited, so please book directly for the early and the best rate.”
The former quarterback revealed a wry smile as he declared the phrase “preferred discounted rate.”
Esiason wondered if he would be viewed as an “elitist” if he declined the offer, while his co-host wondered how hard it would be for an NFL franchise to afford hotel rooms for the eight current Ring of Honor inductees.
“Your name is on the stadium,” Giannotti said, further lamenting, “I’m sorry, but for an NFL franchise, that’s embarrassing.”
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Corey Dillon says it’s even Worse than That
Corey Dillon, the Cincinnati Bengals’ all-time leading rusher and a four-time Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion, says he didn’t even get the discounted hotel rate.
Why? Because he wasn’t invited.
“At least my guy Boomer got an invite and email 😂😂😂,” Dillon wrote on X.
At least my guy Boomer got an invite and email 😂😂😂
— Corey Dillon (@coreydillon_28) August 22, 2025
Yikes. Dillon is actually a member of the Ring of Honor as well!
Boomer Esiason played 14 seasons primarily with the Bengals, where he led the team to Super Bowl XXIII, earned the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 1988, and was named to four Pro Bowls before transitioning into a successful broadcasting career.
Dillon played 10 seasons, primarily with the Bengals, where he set franchise records and earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections, before winning Super Bowl XXXIX with the New England Patriots in 2004.
The Ring of Honor controversy comes amidst ongoing contract disputes with current players like Trey Hendrickson, further highlighting the Bengals’ perceived stinginess under owner Mike Brown.
It’s just not a good look, Cincy.