Blue Tiger Legend Lemar Parrish Selected for Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor

Lemar Parrish ’70, a standout football star and alumnus of Lincoln University of Missouri, will be honored with induction into the Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor on October 26, 2025.

Lincoln University of Missouri is proud to announce that distinguished alumnus Lemar Parrish, Class of 1970, has been selected for induction into the Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor. The induction ceremony will take place on October 26 during the Bengals’ Week 8 home game against the New York Jets, marking another prestigious honor for one of the Blue Tigers' greatest athletic legends.

Parrish was voted to eight Pro Bowls as a defensive back during his 13-year NFL career. Six of those came with the Bengals, who drafted him in the seventh round of the 1970 draft. His selection represents the culmination of a remarkable journey that began on Lincoln's campus in Jefferson City.

From Blue Tiger to NFL Star

Parrish was a four-year letter-winner from 1966-69 at Lincoln, where he played as a running back and helped lead the Blue Tigers to 23 victories. In 1969, he set the school's record for longest punt return when he returned a punt 95 yards for a touchdown against Southwest Missouri State University. His stellar 1969 season earned him All-American honors, and his career average of 15.5 yards per punt return remains a school record.

His contributions to Lincoln University football remain legendary, with his number 20 jersey retired by the Blue Tigers. The university has honored Parrish's achievements through multiple recognitions, including induction into the Lincoln University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012 and, most recently, his selection for the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in September 2024.

Professional Excellence

Parrish's six Pro Bowl selections are the second-most ever for a Bengals defensive player. He had 25 interceptions with the Bengals, the fifth-most in franchise history, and remains the franchise's highest scoring defensive player, with touchdown returns recorded on four interceptions, four punts, three fumbles and one kickoff.

His 18.8-yard punt return average in 1974 is still the best mark by any player in a season since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger. His 90-yard punt return against Washington that season is the second-longest in Bengals history. Known as "Leapin' Lemar," Parrish became one of the most exciting players in Bengals history, scoring 12 touchdowns during his Cincinnati tenure: four interception returns, four punt returns, three fumble returns and a kickoff return.

After his time with Cincinnati (1970-1977), Parrish went on to suit up for Washington and Buffalo, where he recorded 22 more interceptions between the two organizations, bringing his career total to 47 interceptions.

Continuing Connection to Lincoln

After retiring in 1982, Parrish returned to his alma mater and earned a bachelor's degree in physical education with a minor in psychology. He eventually served as head coach of the Blue Tigers football team from 2004 to 2009, demonstrating his enduring commitment to Lincoln University and its student-athletes.

Ring of Honor Recognition

Season ticket holders selected Parrish and offensive guard Dave Lapham from a ballot of nine individuals. They will join Ken Anderson, Willie Anderson, Paul Brown, Isaac Curtis, Corey Dillon, Boomer Esiason, Chad Johnson, Tim Krumrie, Anthony Muñoz and Ken Riley in the Bengals Ring of Honor.

Dave Lapham, who will be inducted alongside Parrish, is a versatile offensive lineman who played for the Bengals from 1974-1983 and has served as the team's radio analyst since 1986. He will celebrate his 1,000th game with the team this season, combining his time as both player and broadcaster.

"To be selected to join the Ring of Honor means the world to me," Lemar Parrish said in a press release issued by the Cincinnati Bengals. "As a little boy, I had a dream of becoming the greatest football player in the world. I thank the Bengals and Paul Brown for drafting me and giving me the opportunity to play in the NFL. I appreciate everyone who voted for me. I am pleased and extremely grateful to be selected. This is the most prestigious award that I have ever received, and it means a lot to me."

Lincoln University of Missouri continues to celebrate the achievements of our distinguished alumni who exemplify excellence in their chosen fields. Parrish's induction into the Bengals Ring of Honor adds to his already impressive list of honors and reflects the strong foundation he built during his time as a Blue Tiger.