By Wolverine

September 23, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

What on earth is the point of this column? No disrespect to these individuals or their families, but was this even necessary??? The Bengals are 0-3 and looking horrible. Maybe you’re making a connection…but this is nothing short of morbid. It does not honor these guys. It just makes a list, and tries to make you look noble for keeping it up for 24 hours. Thank the lord you’re not a Yankees writer, or a Bears writer, etc.etc.etc. This was unbelievably pointless, and completely self-gratifying for “The Chickster.” I wish the DDN would find a better beat writer for the Bengals.

By boobie? really?

September 23, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

I’m hoping against all hope that someone didn’t name their child “Boobie” and that it’s supposed to read “Bobbie”.

By Greg

September 23, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

I would be more interested in how many Bengals are in the Hall of Fame. Only one I know is Munoz and coach Paul Brown. I wonder if there are any that have a chance at getting in in the near future…

By BrownsClown

September 23, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

When it comes to dead former players, the Browns will still beat the Bengals.

By Mike

September 23, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

You forgot to add: 2008-2009 Season; bad coaching

By Dale Flynn

September 23, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I was surprised and saddened to learn of the passing of Bobby Kemp. I was living in Orange County, CA at the time, and was proud of how he immediately stepped into a starting position as an 8th round draft choice. Rest in peace, Bobby.

By blados

September 23, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Chick, as I recall you were answering a request by one of your readers. I really hope that a previous comment dosen’t stop you from your continuosly generous nature and sincere appreciation of the Bengals. You keep it coming and if someone would like to bash you, give them my email address. Blades

By Robert Young

September 23, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Boobie Clark RB from Bethune Cookman. In the 70’s if you heard Booooobie at Riverfront you knew who was carrying the rock.

By Troy

September 23, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

I will never forget Mike Brim he gave me his wrist bands in Wilmington a few years ago. He was a good cornerback, Billiups was a SWAT team member and a fine corner too. Rest in peace 24# 43#

By VoHo

September 23, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

In 1973, I was in Daytona Beach celebrating HS graduation with a couple of classmates. We were on the boardwalk when we saw a rather large chested man with a “Cincinnati Bengals” tee shirt. We asked him if he was a Bengaals fan like us. He said he was NOW… he had just been drafted by them. We laughed out loud when he told us his name and he said it happened all the time. That was how I found out Boobie Clark was a Bengal. My fiends and I remained Boobie Clark fans through his Cincy career.

By Chick Ludwig

September 23, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Where’s cousin Pat, my beloved “Blog Bouncer?” It’s time to make “Wolverine” extinct. There is nothing wrong with my list of deceased Bengals. Even Bengals alumni want to know who’s still with us. Wolverine, one of these days you’re going to get your wish. Bet you’ll miss me when I’m gone. All the Ludwig bashing aside, I appreciate you being a loyal “Ludwig At Large” reader. Now, buzz off, stud, before I sic Brian Blados on you. Love, The Chickster

By Troy

September 23, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Im with Blades keep up the great work on Bengals alumni. There is no better than the Chickster. There are tooooo many hotshot reporters who think they have the answers aka ESPN. Chick cares about the Cincinnati Bengals.

By DiamondDave

September 23, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Chickster, it’s always great to keep up with the alumni, especially those from the old days. Thanks for keeping all of us - fans and players - up to speed on who has passed on. I had known about Billups and Clark, but was shocked to see Chip Myers, Mike Brim, and Bobby Kemp on this list. For the fan hoping for the misspelling of Boobie, his given name was Charles. Kemp was one of the all-time hard hitters, and Myers was a favorite. The receivers we had then… Myers-#25, Issac Curtis-#85, Trumpy-#84, and Bruce Coslet-#88. I also believe that Charlie Joiner-#18 was part of that group for a short time. I wore his jersey before the trade to SD. Special group. We should note, too, the passing of the Voice of the Bengals, Phil Samp. No, he didn’t play, but his voice remains linked to the team through the NFL Films highlight videos. Blades, thanks for keeping Chick’s back, the same way you did with Boomer!

By Bill in Centerville

September 23, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

The way they are playing this year you would think the current players were dead.

By Robert Young

September 23, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Agree w/ Diamond Dave, I’m ashamed to admit I’d forgotten about Phil Samp. Should also consider adding PB and Bill Walsh, a couple of men who had a little influence on today’s style of ball. Blades hopefully life after f-ball is treating you well.

By Bleeb

September 23, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Wolverine’s real name must be Dick. If not, it should be. Chick, nice piece…a pleasant trip down memory lane.

By BeatClev

September 23, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

LEWIS BILLUPS was many things, including an a-hole and a show boat, but he was not a good corner, and his stone hands cost us a Super Bowl.

By Troy

September 23, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Brian Blados you were kind to me the only time i ever got your autograph in Wilmington you were on your way to the lunchroom. Thanks for the autograph Blades.

By steve.allen.ky

September 23, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

BeatClev Ever play much DB? Try backpedaling at full speed with the fastest and most athletic folks on the field then get back to us. Lewis Billups didn’t make every play but he was pretty damn good. Always remember its all a lot easier when your just watching.

By islebfrank

September 23, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chick! I’ve been a fan since the beginning, and this article is not only informative, it also provides a trip down memory lane. Great to see Brian checking in, as well as any other former players following along! I knew a wolverine was an animal but I didn’t think realize it was an @ss! Lewis Billups was a very talented CB. He just came up a little short in the maturity department.

By joe

September 23, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

This is the stupidist blog topic I have ever seen or read. Dude, just read Hal McCoy’s blog to get an idea of how it should be done. This is beyond ridiculous.

By Bob-Tipp City

September 23, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Chick, what an incredible post, especially for the fans of “Bengals Legends. I would be happy to have Blades’ back on eliminating Wolverine, although he doesn’t need it. I remember Rufus coming into Pat Matson’s to work out when I was a high school kid. How about including the orginal voice of the Bengals, Phil Samp……”fourth down and the Bengals will be forced to boot”. Chick, what a job you do walking the line between being a committed fan and reporting the facts. Keep it coming.

By Hobley

September 23, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Chick it good to know that some one care about what has happen alone the way. I wonder how many flower have been seen from the former team these men played for!!

By panama-mean-streets

September 23, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

What about Dennis Weathersby?

By Bruce

September 23, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Chick,Thanks for those of us that no longer live close to Cincinnati we like these updates. Did not know about B Kemp? Very sorry to hear that. Always liked Bobby.My reguards to the family.Bruce Reimers

By Robert Young

September 23, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Do not believe Dennis Weathersby is deceased. He was just never able to resume his career. And Bruce we have all made the same mistake thinking our post did not go thru the first time.

By Thanks Chick

September 23, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Chick, I really appreciate you putting this list together. This should remind all of us that this is just a game. These men were fathers, sons, uncles, mentors and friends. I was shocked to see Dan Ross and Bobby Kemp on the list. I remember them vividly from the ‘81 Super Bowl season. They were great Bengals and, I’m sure, greater men. Thanks again, Chick.

By Sam in Clayton

September 23, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

What amazes me most about all thes deaths is, first of all, how young most of them were that died. I wonder how many of these were due to steroid use before it was discovered how deadly they can be. Second, many of these guys died violently. What the heck is up with that?

By blindeye

September 23, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chick. Chip Myers is a tough one to realize. Also I’m shocked to see so many tackles have passed so young.

By Chris W.

September 23, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Chick, thanks for this blog piece. Like most Bengal fans, I like to know what has happened to them after their Bengals or NFL careers. Sad about Chip Myers and Dan Ross, my two favorite Bengals of their eras. As for the negative comments by a few negative dopes, y’all go back into your holes and don’t read the blog. Start your own blogs, that way we can ignore you. Thanks again Chick, and keep up the good work. Chris W. Dayton

By Kathleen

September 23, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

A dedicated sportswriter respects the history of the team and the sport, as does Chick, instead of reworking the same old tired sports cliches. Keep up the good work, Chickster.

By Jo Jo is RIght

September 23, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

As an original Bengal Fan, I loved Vern, Rufus and Ernie blocking for Stofa, Wyche, Cook and Carter. Also loved Chomy, probably for his last name. And do you recall or know if Buncom was still on the team when he died in his sleep? Do you know the story or does the DDN archive have anything on it?

By Bob

September 23, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Must be a curse to play for the bungles, seems like most on that list didn’t even make 60 years old.

By psychostats

September 24, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

I remember way back when as a kid watching Boobie Clark and the Bengals on Monday Night Football. Frank Gifford was the play-by-play guy, and it was common to hear phrases spill goofily out of his mouth. So the game is in Cincinnati, Clark makes a good play, and the crowd reacts just like Robert Young mentioned above. Gifford, in that deep bravado monotone of his, tries to provide a helpful explanation to the audience. “And the fans go boo, boo, boo for Boobie!” Never been able to get that out of my head. Good player. Great name. RIP.

By Big Play

September 24, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

It’s a shame to see so many of these men go with so much life left in the tank. What would be a cool follow up would be a highlight real of some kind of all these men playing at one time or another. Pay no attention to the wolverine, if he’s got a bone to pick with you, he can go through me! Excellent work Pappa Chickster.

By Elflocko

September 24, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

I was crushed when I heard about Dan Ross’ death. One of the greatest TE’s to ever play the game who gets no credit because he was a Bengal. And Wow! Bruce Reimers posting here. Cool to see a former player associating with the common folk…

By Bob V

September 24, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

Good article Chick. The names bring back memories. A side note… Frank Buncom’s death was discovered hours before the Bengals played Miami at Nippert Stadium… That news left an impression on a 15 year old Bengal fan.

By Mandy

September 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

As always Chick, you are entertaining and original. Thanks for the memories!

By Ming

September 28, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Chick, It’s right to reflect and remember those who have been a part of our lives. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

By JIm

October 16, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

You may want to include Bill “Tiger” Johnson on the list as well. He was the Bengals’ offensive coordinator who schooled Bill Walsh. Paul Brown complained that the 49ers beat them in the 1982 Super Bowl with pick plays, but then added that he “really can’t complain since he learned them all from us.” Walsh’s “West Coast” offense was actually designed for Bengals QB Virgil Carter in the 1970 season. Tiger Johnson was instrumental in that development. Bill Walsh always referred to the offensice scheme as the “Cincinnati Offense,” not the “West Coast Offense.”

By Duke of Paducah

November 13, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your efforts to pay tribute to the former Bengals. I grew up listening to Phil Samp call the games in the early ’70s.

By Duke of Paducah

November 13, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your efforts to pay tribute to the former Bengals. I grew up listening to Phil Samp call the games in the early ’70s.

By Duke of Paducah

November 13, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your efforts to pay tribute to the former Bengals. I grew up listening to Phil Samp call the games in the early ’70s.

By Duke of Paducah

November 13, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your efforts to pay tribute to the former Bengals. I grew up listening to Phil Samp call the games in the early ’70s.

By Mike

October 3, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this

I was sorry to learn of the loss of Walter Johnson in 1999. I showed him around Hawaii when he played against the University of Hawaii while a member of the Cal State L.A. College football team. He was a great guy. Mike

By Mike

October 3, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this

I was sorry to learn of the loss of Walter Johnson in 1999. I showed him around Hawaii when he played against the University of Hawaii while a member of the Cal State L.A. College football team. He was a great guy. Mike

By Mike

October 3, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this

Sorry to hear of the loss of Walter Johnson, 1999. Met him when he played for Cal State L.A. against University of Hawaii. Great Guy. Mike

By Randy R.

November 2, 2009 1:26 AM | Link to this

I am a past business partner with Steve Chomyszak.I don”t know a nicer guy,dead or alive.RIP Chomy