My eighth response in the Gratitude to Greats project was from 70s Bengals interception ace, a forgotten great, Ken Riley. “The Rattler” is fifth on the NFL’s all-time interception list with 65 picks. However, amazingly, he is not only one of only two of the top eight on the all-time interceptions list to not be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but Riley was never even discussed as a finalist OR semifinalist during his modern-era eligibility!
Riley took the time to wish me the best of luck with my treatments and assured me that with God, all things are possible.
I was saddened beyond words to get the tragic news of “The Rattler”‘s passing on June 7, 2020 at the age of 72. I will forever be grateful to Ken for taking the time out of busy schedule to share his faith in my recovery from cancer.
I took the time to send a memorial donation to Ken’s foundation recently.
Anyone who is interested in making a memorial donation can do so via the Ken Riley Foundation by visiting https://www.kenriley13.org/, and donating via Visa, Mastercard, AmEX, or Discover.
On behalf of all the great Bengals fans, thanks for the memories, and Rest in Peace, Rattler.
My NFL 100: Gratitude to Greats Project 