How to Enjoy a Conference Championship Weekend

The year is 2016, mid-January, Paul Brown Stadium. Jeremy Hill has just fumbled the ball. The Steelers are on the verge of doing what many teams since 1991 had done, send the Bengals home with a first-round playoff exit.

A rough day across Who Dey Nation, one most of us won’t forget.

Flash forward to this time in 2022, and I’m watching the Bengals play in the AFC Championship for the first time in my life.

Shit, I had just seen them win the first playoff game in my life, just a few weeks back.

I will cling to the memories of traveling to Kansas City last year, meeting up with long-time friends, making new ones and taking in the sights and sounds of my team being on the national stage.

I was so proud of my hometown and my team and my brothers and sisters in Orange and Black. 

A year removed, and here we are again.

Same place. Same opponent. 

I’m finding a frequent need to pinch myself. If I’m being honest, there are times that I questioned whether I would get to see these opportunities in my lifetime, let alone be able to experience them live and in person. Yet here we are, again. 

So, to the Bengals faithful, if you’re traveling to Kansas City, do so safely. Carry yourself well and represent your hometown honorably. 

If you’re gathering with friends and family, show up early, stay late and for God’s sake, bring a damn dish to pass, okay?

If you’re going to your local watering-hole, cheer, dance and smile, and tip your bartenders well.

But most importantly, no matter how you’ll be tuning in this weekend, no matter how you’re gathering and cheering, there is one thing you must do. 

Cling to these memories that are being made, and enjoy the ride.

Who Dey?! 

Corey

@CJRallyTowel