Bengals legend Ken Riley has died. Rory Sharrock/Tallahassee Democrat-Imagn Content Services, LLC

Former Bengals star cornerback Ken Riley dead at 72

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/7/20

Former Cincinnati Bengals standout cornerback Ken Riley has died at the age of 72, his alma mater Florida A&M announced Sunday, according to ESPN.

Riley played for the Bengals for all 15 seasons of his career. During that span, he accumulated a franchise-record 65 interceptions for 596 yards and five touchdowns. His interceptions rank fifth in NFL history, and he also recovered 18 fumbles.

Before his NFL career, he was a four-year starting quarterback for FAMU, and when he was drafted by the Bengals in 1969, he was converted to a cornerback by head coach Paul Brown.

The Bengals released the following statement on Riley's death via social media:

We mourn the passing of one of the greatest Bengals ever, Ken Riley (1947-2020). In 15 seasons with the team, Ken accumulated the fifth-most interceptions in NFL history and was selected as an All-Pro three times. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. pic.twitter.com/e2AXAAi3Kw
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) June 7, 2020

Despite his many accomplishments, Riley never made it to the Hall of Fame. However, he is in the Florida A&M and Black College Football halls of fame.

Riley's cause of death has not yet been released.

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