It took 35 years, but Cincinnati Bengals legend Ken Riley is finally in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Riley’s son, Ken Riley II and his mother Barbara Riley received the gold jacket on Friday night before revealing the bust during the enshrinement ceremony on Saturday.
“I only wish he could have been here for himself to complete his circle,” Barbara said. “But he’s here now.”
Riley II, who worked hard in the years following his father’s death to drum up support for the 65-interception legend (tied fifth all-time), used the speech as an opportunity to thank fans and celebrate the moment, ending in a fantastic quote:
“It’s been a long time coming, Dad. But you made it.”
Ken Riley II speaks on behalf of his late father and @Bengals legend, Ken Riley.
📺: #PFHOF23 Enshrinement on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/0ZkdBN7CKY— NFL (@NFL) August 5, 2023
.@ProFootballHOF Inductee #368: Ken Riley 👏 pic.twitter.com/74dkJ7mrCn
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 5, 2023
Ken Riley loved football. But the love of his life was his wife, Barbara.
Although Ken is no longer with us, having his wife Present him as a Hall of Famer is poetic. pic.twitter.com/YQupU9093M
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 5, 2023
