Ken Riley, the former Cincinnati Bengals standout and later head coach and athletic director at Florida A&M University, passed away on June 7, 2020, at the age of 72, due to a heart attack.
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Ken Riley Cause of Death
Former Cincinnati Bengals standout Ken Riley, who later served as head coach and athletic director at Florida A&M, passed three years ago at the age of 72 due to a heart attack, as confirmed by the university. Riley was a celebrated defensive back during his 15 seasons with the Bengals, setting franchise records with 65 interceptions for 596 yards and five touchdowns, which rank fifth in NFL history.
Prior to his NFL career, he was a four-year starting quarterback for Florida A&M, where he made a significant impact as a player and later as a coach and administrator. The FAMU community mourns his loss and extends their deepest condolences to his family.
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What Happened to Ken Riley?
Ken Riley’s death was a significant loss to both the NFL and college football communities. Throughout his career, he showcased exceptional skills as a cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving a lasting impression on the team and setting franchise records in interceptions.
After retiring from the NFL, Riley made significant contributions to Florida A&M University as a head coach and athletic director, further solidifying his impact on the sport. Despite his passing, his memory lives on through the admiration and respect he garnered from fans, players, and colleagues, making him a beloved figure in the football world.
How Did Ken Riley Die?
Ken Riley, the former Cincinnati Bengals star and later head coach and athletic director at Florida A&M University, died of a heart attack on June 7, 2020, at the age of 72. The news of his passing came as a shock to his family, friends, fans, and the football community.
Riley’s death was a profound loss for both the NFL and college football communities. Throughout his life, he had made significant contributions to the sport, leaving a lasting legacy on and off the field. His illustrious football career began when he was drafted by the Bengals in the sixth round of the 1969 AFL/NFL draft. Coach Paul Brown’s decision to move him to cornerback during training camp proved to be a game-changer, and Riley thrived in his new position.
Over the course of 15 seasons with the Bengals, Riley showcased his exceptional skills and football IQ, setting franchise records with 65 interceptions for 596 yards and five touchdowns. He retired from the NFL after the 1983 season, leaving an indelible mark on the league and earning respect as one of the best cornerbacks in history.
Following his playing career, Riley transitioned into coaching and administration at his alma mater, Florida A&M University. He made significant contributions to the university’s athletic program, serving as a head coach and later as an athletic director.
The news of Riley’s passing brought mixed emotions to his family and the football community. His wife, Barbara, expressed both smiles and tears during the ceremony when he was posthumously enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. His son, Ken Riley II, had campaigned for his father’s induction for 15 years, and the long-awaited honor finally came to fruition.
Ken Riley’s impact on the game of football extended beyond his on-field achievements. He was admired for his character, leadership, and sportsmanship, earning him the reputation of being a Hall of Famer both on and off the field. His legacy continues to be cherished by football enthusiasts, and his memory lives on as an inspiration to generations of players and fans alike.
When Did Ken Riley Die?
On June 7, 2020, the football world mourned the loss of Ken Riley, a former Cincinnati Bengals standout, and esteemed head coach and athletic director at Florida A&M University. At the age of 72, he left behind a lasting legacy of excellence on and off the field. Riley’s impressive football career began with the Bengals, where he established himself as a remarkable cornerback, setting franchise records with 65 interceptions.
After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching and administration, making significant contributions to Florida A&M University, his alma mater. His passing was met with deep sorrow from fans, colleagues, and players, who remembered him not only for his exceptional skills but also for his character and leadership. Despite his departure, Ken Riley’s impact on the sport and the institutions he served continues to be celebrated and cherished.
Ken Riley Obituary
The family of the late Ken Riley experienced a mix of emotions as he was posthumously enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Despite his passing from a heart attack three years prior, his wife, Barbara, expressed both happiness and sadness during the ceremony, wishing he could have witnessed the honor himself.
Riley’s son, Ken Riley II, had campaigned for his father’s induction for 15 years, and finally, after 35 years since he retired from the NFL, Ken Riley took his place in Canton alongside Bengals legend Anthony Munoz as the only Bengals player in the Hall of Fame.
Riley’s journey from being drafted by the Bengals in 1969 to becoming one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time, retiring with 65 interceptions (the fifth-most in history), was commemorated by his son in a heartfelt acceptance speech, where he described his father as a Hall of Famer both on and off the field.
Who was Ken Riley?
Kenneth Jerome Riley, born on August 6, 1947, was an esteemed American professional football player renowned for his position as a cornerback. Throughout his illustrious career, Riley dedicated his talents to the Cincinnati Bengals, making his mark in both the American Football League (AFL) from 1969 and the National Football League (NFL) from 1970 to 1983.
His extraordinary skillset led him to achieve an impressive 65 interceptions, placing him fourth in NFL history at the time of his retirement, behind only legendary figures like Dick Lane, Emlen Tunnell, and Paul Krause, all of whom are members of the esteemed Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Despite his remarkable accomplishments on the field, Riley remained relatively lesser known and less popular among football enthusiasts. Surprisingly, he was never selected for the AFL All-Star Game or the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl during his playing days.
Nevertheless, decades after his retirement, in 2023, the football world finally recognized his undeniable talent and contributions by posthumously electing him into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame. Riley’s induction was a well-deserved honor that solidified his place among the greatest players in football history.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education