The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals have carried on a rivalry since 1970 that, at times, has been as emotionally charged as the one between the Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The seed was planted following the 1962 season when former Browns owner Art Modell fired Hall of Fame head coach Paul Brown, who in 17 years had led the franchise to seven league titles and just one losing season. That seed germinated for eight years before blossoming when the Browns and Bengals were placed in the newly formed AFC North Division in 1970.
While the two teams have been on different trajectories for the past decade – although it warrants pointing out that the Browns have won a playoff game more recently than the Bengals – a new chapter in the 46-year in-state rivalry may be beginning, all thanks to Brown’s son, Bengals owner Mike Brown.