Miami University became the official university of the Cincinnati Bengals starting an educational partnership with the NFL team.
Miami and the Cincinnati Bengals announced this partnership March 26. The decision solidifies the university and the Bengals’ long-standing relationship through the Bengals co-founder Paul Brown.
Students from different majors are open to the possibility to work with the football team. Sophomore Kinesiology student Blake Dayton says that this partnership could open more opportunities for him.
“I am working towards being a sports physical therapist and I am currently working with the athletic department….I think that the university working with the Bengals could open some doors for people in my major that are interested in that kind of work,” Dayton said. “A big team like the Bengals would be a good opportunity for many people.”
Miami students are also enthused to be more connected with their favorite football team. Senior Miami student David Reitz is a lifelong Bengals fan and is excited to see the partnership.
“I have been a Bengals fan my whole life and it is cool to see a partnership between the university and the team,” Reitz said. “ Miami being so close to Cincinnati and the team was one of the reasons that I came here so them being partners is exciting.”
Paul Brown, who is a 1930 Miami graduate, and the co-founder of the Cincinnati Bengals is included in the university’s Hall of fame and is a member of the university’s Cradle of Coaches. Brown spent two years as Miami’s starting quarterback before his career in coaching. Brown founded the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967 and was given the Bengals Ring of Honor in 2021.
Miami officials were not able to comment on this story, and referred the Oxford Observer to its press release.
“This partnership is an excellent way to honor the legacy of Paul Brown, a legacy that has united the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami University for years… Paul Brown has an undeniable football legacy of leadership, innovation, and excellence, and it is one Miami University is immeasurably proud to share with the Cincinnati Bengals” said Miami University President Gregory Crawford in the Miami press release.
This partnership also allows many opportunities for Miami students. According to the press release the partnership allows for students to gain opportunities with the Bengals through internships, job shadowing, on-campus speakers, as well as many others.
According to Ande Durojaiye, Miami’s Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships, this partnership provides students with unique engagement opportunities. “Given the fervent support many Miamians have for the Bengals, this partnership provides a unique avenue to engage our students and alumni, celebrating Miami’s proud standing as the ‘Cradle of Coaches,” he said in the press release.
According to the press release this partnership allows for more opportunities for students to work with the Bengals.
The partnership also allows for more advertising opportunities for the university. According to the press release, it will be included on the Bengals website and app as well as advertised throughout the stadium. The university will be included in radio and broadcasting advertisements. This also allows for the university to use the Bengals Paycor stadium for university events.
According to the press release and the Bengals Chief Partnership Officer Lacy Ekert, the Bengals are pleased to work with Miami as an educational partner and are excited to build up more history with the university and provide more insights for students.
“We are extremely excited for Miami students to benefit from this unique relationship and for them to add value to a first-rate NFL organization like the Bengals,” Crawford said in the press release.
