Social Media Shoutouts to Heroes of the Cincinnati Bengals

In the age of digital fandom, the Cincinnati Bengals have mastered the art of using social media to honor the “heroes” who make their season special—from star players delivering clutch plays to unsung staff members, dedicated fans, and community leaders. These shoutouts, shared across Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube, go beyond game recaps; they humanize the team, strengthen bonds with Who Dey Nation, and celebrate the collective effort that fuels the Bengals’ success. Social Media Shoutouts to Heroes of the Cincinnati Bengals explores how these digital tributes have become a cornerstone of the team’s fan engagement strategy, turning ordinary moments into memorable nods to those who matter most. For fans, these posts aren’t just likes or shares—they’re a way to feel seen, connected, and part of the Bengals’ journey.

Social Media Shoutouts to Heroes of the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the team’s focus on highlighting player heroes after standout performances. After Joe Burrow led a game-winning drive against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15, the Bengals’ Twitter account posted a 30-second clip of his final pass to Tyler Boyd, paired with the caption: “When your QB is a walking highlight reel—@JoeBurrow10, you’re our hero tonight. Who Dey!” The post garnered over 250,000 likes and 50,000 retweets, with fans flooding the comments with messages like “Burrow is the heart of this team!” Similarly, after Ja’Marr Chase’s 65-yard touchdown catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals’ TikTok account shared a behind-the-scenes video of Chase celebrating with teammates in the locker room, set to a popular hip-hop track. The video racked up 1.2 million views in 48 hours, with Chase himself commenting, “For the fans—this is all for you.” These player shoutouts aren’t just about celebrating talent; they’re about framing athletes as relatable heroes, whose hard work and passion mirror the dedication of the fan base. The Bengals’ social media team also ensures to highlight role players: when backup running back Samaje Perine scored the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team’s Instagram page posted a carousel of photos from the play, calling Perine “our unsung hero of the day.”

Social Media Shoutouts to Heroes of the Cincinnati Bengals continues with the team’s commitment to honoring unsung heroes behind the scenes—staff members who work tirelessly to keep the team running, often without public recognition. Each month, the Bengals’ social media accounts feature a “Staff Spotlight” series, highlighting individuals like equipment manager Jeff Brickner, who has been with the team for 20 years, or athletic trainer Megan Barlow, who helps players recover from injuries. For Brickner’s spotlight, the Bengals shared a video of him preparing players’ gear before a game, with interviews from Burrow and Joe Mixon talking about how Brickner’s attention to detail helps them perform. “Jeff knows exactly how I like my cleats laced—he’s a hero in his own way,” Burrow said in the video. The post received over 100,000 likes, with fans commenting, “We never think about the people behind the scenes, but they’re just as important!” The team also honors gameday staff, like ushers and concession workers, during “Fan Appreciation Week.” Last season, the Bengals’ TikTok account posted a compilation of ushers high-fiving kids and helping elderly fans to their seats, with the caption: “Our gameday heroes make every Who Dey experience special.” These shoutouts remind fans that the Bengals’ success is a team effort, extending far beyond the players on the field.

Social Media Shoutouts to Heroes of the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to the team’s focus on fan heroes—supporters whose loyalty, creativity, or community impact embodies the spirit of Who Dey Nation. The Bengals often repost fan content, like a photo of a 90-year-old fan named Ruth wearing a Bengals jersey to every home game, which the team shared on Instagram with the caption: “Ruth, you’re the definition of a Who Dey hero—thank you for 70 years of support!” The post went viral, with local news outlets picking up Ruth’s story and the Bengals inviting her to a practice to meet players. Another fan hero highlighted this season is 12-year-old Tyler, who organized a food drive in his neighborhood to benefit Cincinnati’s homeless, using his Bengals-themed fundraiser to collect over 500 pounds of food. The Bengals’ Twitter account shared a video of Tyler explaining his project, with Mixon tweeting, “Tyler, you’re inspiring—this is what being a Bengals fan is all about.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, these fan shoutouts are a way to give back to the community that supports them, turning fans into role models and strengthening the bond between the team and the city. “Our fans are our biggest heroes,” said Bengals social media director Alex Martinez. “When we highlight their stories, we’re not just engaging with them—we’re celebrating the values that make Cincinnati great.”

Social Media Shoutouts to Heroes of the Cincinnati Bengals delves into how the team uses these tributes to rally support during key moments, like the playoffs or tough losing streaks. During the 2022 AFC Championship Game, the Bengals’ Instagram account shared a series of posts honoring “Playoff Heroes” from past seasons—including highlights of Burrow’s 2021 Super Bowl run and Chad Johnson’s iconic catches—with the caption: “Every hero has a story—let’s write the next chapter together.” The posts generated over 500,000 engagements, with fans using the hashtag #WhoDeyHeroes to share their own playoff memories. When the Bengals faced a three-game losing streak earlier this season, the team shifted its focus to community heroes, sharing stories of local teachers and first responders who use Bengals spirit to motivate others. One post featured a teacher named Ms. Carter, who uses Bengals-themed lessons to teach math to her students, with the caption: “Ms. Carter, you’re our hero—reminding us that resilience matters, on and off the field.” These shoutouts helped lift fan morale, turning a tough stretch into a celebration of shared values. For the Cincinnati Bengals, social media shoutouts aren’t just a marketing tool—they’re a way to unify the fan base during both highs and lows, reinforcing that everyone has the potential to be a hero.

Social Media Shoutouts to Heroes of the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with the long-term impact of these digital tributes, which have helped the Bengals build one of the most engaged fan bases in the NFL. Over the past two seasons, the team’s social media following has grown by 40%, with engagement rates (likes, comments, shares) increasing by 65%—a direct result of the team’s focus on meaningful, hero-focused content. Fans often cite these shoutouts as a reason they feel connected to the team: “When the Bengals highlight a fan like me, it makes me feel like more than just a spectator,” said Mike Torres, who was featured in a 2023 post for his Bengals-themed tailgates. “I’m part of the team.” The Bengals’ social media team has also noticed a shift in fan behavior: more fans are sharing their own hero stories, using the team’s hashtags to highlight community work or personal milestones. “It’s created a cycle of positivity,” Martinez said. “We highlight a hero, fans get inspired to do good, then we highlight those fans—and it keeps going.” As the Bengals head into the playoffs, their social media shoutouts will continue to be a key part of their strategy, honoring the players, staff, and fans who make Who Dey Nation special. In the end, Social Media Shoutouts to Heroes of the Cincinnati Bengals is a story of connection—of a team using digital platforms to celebrate the best in people, and in doing so, building a fan base that’s not just loyal, but inspired. For the Bengals, every hero—whether on the field, in the stands, or in the community—deserves to be seen. And thanks to social media, they are.