Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > May > 08 > Entry
The beauty of being a Cincinnati Bengal
It can be summed up in one word — freedom.
Just ask linebacker Dhani Jones, the Bengals’ international man of mystery who re-signed with Cincinnati this offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
“It’s definitely good to be back,” Jones said. “You can have great experiences here. You’re allowed to be who you are. One thing I’ve always looked for in a team is to be able to be who you are.
“The thing about us during the season: You have to be able to direct that energy toward winning, and I think that’s the area where we have the most to work on. Because a lot of people … they’re allowed to be who they are, but when it comes down to the work week, to the team you’re going to play, you have to concentrate all that ‘who you are’ into the plays and into winning — whoever’s out there. It has to be everybody across the board.”
That’s a polite way of saying the Bengals are underachievers.
DID YOU KNOW …
Jones took up rugby in London in February when he was on assignment for the Travel Channel.
Yup, he joined the scrum for Blackheath in a match against Launceston.
“I just like to travel and try new things,” Jones said. “Rugby’s incredible. It’s a great sport. When you go overseas, rugby players are admired to the Nth Degree. A lot of NFL players should try it.”
Jones also owns Five Star Ties, a New York-based company specializing in bow ties. He simply keeps adding to his resume as a renaissance man.
“The bow-tie business is not going to pay my mortgage,” he said. “But it’s going well up to this point. It’s just a matter of where do I go from here? As things work themselves out, you kind of find out what direction you want to go.”
CHRIS HENRY …
Don’t get me started on the former Bengals wide receiver.
He says all the right things about really being a good guy and needing a fresh start. Then once he leaves the shelter and safety of the locker room, he does all the wrong things.
With five arrests in three seasons, he has trouble written all over him. His next team is in for a lot of headaches.
Contact Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By steelers 4 life
May 8, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
THE BENGALS SUCK!!!!!!! there is no beauty in playng in that hell hold ur best player dosent even wanna be there!!!By Mike
May 8, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Steelers 4 life, you’d better bone up on your spelling before your eighth grade graduation test. Looks like you need the practice.By Steve
May 8, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
You know how to tell who the groom is when a steeler fan gets married? He’s the one in the clean bowling shirt.By Craig
May 8, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Mike, Be nice ta steelers 4 life. I th’o’t da edukation systim iz working perfect fo’ us. you know das right!By VietVet
May 8, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Chris Henry-expect more assaults/more jail time/more irresponsible behavior.Had an ideal opportunity to make money and have fun doing it, but, his ego and his anger at the world ruined any chance for that to happen. He should not be picked up by another team. He should provide for his family like the average “joe” now. Had his chance an blew it.Another immature Bungle thug.By Howie Feltersnatch
May 8, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
You know how to get a steelers fan off your porch? Pay him for your pizza…By David V.
May 8, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
I heard Mr. Henry (A term used loosely in this case) state he hoped the “minor incidents” in his past would not be held against during his interview process. That just tells me he hasn’t grown up yet. If a team even thinks about signing him, pity the team and the future teammates.By Wolverine
May 8, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Ya gotta love steelers 4 life. Their team might be more successful than ours, but how about his wonderful mastery (read “lack of”) the English language? Can’t spell, and can’t form a complete sentence. Keep amusing us, Steelers fans.By Brian
May 8, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
I actually think he will get his act together once he gets to a team who actually will have senior leadership in the WR position. He didn’t have that in Cincy. Yes, he has done some bad things but if there was a strong mentor above, aka CJ then maybe it could have been prevented. He has the talent to be successful. Really depends on what team with what mentors.By Brian
May 8, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
I think he will be successful if he can get on a team with strong leadership in the WR position. Here in Cincy he didn’t have that. He has done some bad and petty things but it could have prevented if maybe he had a true leader in helping him out and mentoring. Not CJ who cries and then wants traded wants TJ takes the spotlight away. For Henry if he gets on a good team with strong mentors he will get it changed around.By Mike
May 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Brian, Chris Henry is a grown man who has to decide for himself if he wants to act like an adult. No amount of “mentoring” is going to make him walk the walk. Entirely on his own, he’s either going to decide he has adult priorities or he is going to decide to continue his thuggish ways. I don’t have a damn ounce of sympathy for him. There are untold millions of people who have grown up under much more depressing and disadvantaged circumstances than Henry who have done the right thing and lived up to their responsibilities, often when the only payoff is their own self respect. Because of his talent and the totally insane emotional investment we personally choose to have in this country about professional sports teams and players, he will get as many shots as he wants to succeed.I hope he turns it around. But ultimately he will have to sink or swim entirely on his own. Nobody else can do it for him. People are rapidly growing tired of wiping Chris Henry’s nose for him.By Brian
May 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Mike, But I’m not even the only one saying it. When he was released everyone in the NFL said even Hall of Famers were saying it. That is a part of the job bc some people come from nothing and need guidance.By Mike
May 8, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Brian, I know there are a lot of people who think that all he needs is a little positive guidance and I’m sure that certainly couldn’t hurt. My point is that just like an alcoholic’s sobriety, Henry’s walk on the straight and narrow will only be permanently maintained by the singular efforts of one person-Chris Henry. Unless they handcuff Henry to the wrist of a “mentor” who will put knots on his head if he strays, it will be Henry’s decision alone to make the correct choices in his life and to right himself. Mentoring can help someone only if they want to be helped. I’m not yet convinced that Henry truly wants to change. He has given no tangible proof over the last couple of years that he is committed to walking away from the acquaintances and lifestyle who have helped keep him on police blotter and in the court news. Maybe a change of scenery will help. But somehow it didn’t seem to matter where he has been geographically. He gets in trouble wherever he happens to be, whether Florida, Ohio or elsewhere. That tells me he needs look inward to fix his problem. That’s where his problem lies.By Zach
May 8, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
You know the thing about true Steeler’s fans is that the language we use, actually we prefer adjectives such as “Champion” a term I do truly aspire to see the Bengal’s be able to incorporate into their verbage. You comment on our inability to spell pointing to immaturity and not having completed high school as I have read thus far but condone and thrive on 5th grade level jokes and 6th grade screen names (Howie, talking to you buddy). I believe in rivalry and sportsmanship something the Bengal’s starting with Mike Brown all the way down to the teams fans have forgotten. I pity Cincy and pray for you that one day you will find the light of victory. Good luck its gonna be another long season in the cellar.By David V.
May 8, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Quotes from T.J. Houshmanzadeh in the Cincy papers basically stated there were a couple of “mentors” (Willie Anderson, John Thornton) in the locker room, but Chris is a grown man and has to act like a professional now that he is one. That was after his first “minor incident”. If he decided he can’t walk away from what gets him in trouble, no one person except Chris Henry can help him.By Harvey
May 8, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Henry had a chance to shine this season due to the lack of one Chad Johnson showing any interest in being a team player. TJ and Chris could have been a great duo but Henry chose not to take advantage of his many opportunities to succeed and Chad is so jealous of the chemistry between Carson and TJ that he can’t see straight. So good luck to both of them and may the door not hit them on the way out. This team is better off without the head aches. Looks like we had a good draft, I hope these new guys shine so bright that the NFL has to take notice. Maybe you put the Gold Jacket on just a little too soon Chadly, it’s not all about you and Henry and the TV camera. It’s about the team and winning one for the fans who love this town and pay you to play. Step it up guys, even after you sign that contract. We are Bengal Fans and we may live through some hard times but we don’t change our stripes for anybody.By ryan
May 8, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
I love how all the steeler fans are always on articles or sites concerning the bengals… no women to beat up i guess.By Zach
May 8, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Got to keep up with all the Bengals in and out of jail and rehab brother I know where my players are, in the weight room, watching film, and getting ready to go to the playoffs and be the defending divisional champions again, Steeler fans have the luxury of time to watch other teams in amusement as they implode. Again have another glorious season in lastBy jack
May 8, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
i think henry will get the point and grow up i also think that everyone diserves a secound chance and both Henry and OCH 5 should join the best team in the NFL the DALLAS COWBOYS and bring the SUPER BOWL back where it belongs.By Justin
May 9, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Big Bengals fan here…Chris Henry should be shot hes done some jacked up things now the Bengals can go forward and not have to babysit this reject from West Virginia University.By Justin
May 9, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Big Bengals fan here…Chris Henry should be shot hes done some jacked up things now the Bengals can go forward and not have to babysit this reject from West Virginia University.By Justin
May 9, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Big Bengals fan here…Chris Henry should be shot hes done some jacked up things now the Bengals can go forward and not have to babysit this reject from West Virginia University.By Justin
May 9, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Big Bengals fan here…Chris Henry should be shot hes done some jacked up things now the Bengals can go forward and not have to babysit this reject from West Virginia University.By Jay
May 9, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Dont be such a dork Zach you had your shot last year and Jacksonville tore you all a new hole. I am bold enough to use the word Champion in my vocabulary I love the Bengals you only love your team when they win if they lose you dig out the ol WVU clothes to hide your shame.By tony
May 12, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
I just love how steeler fans love to troll to where ever a Bengals article appears. The Steelers have had our number for a while and yet the jealousy never ceases. The Steeler franchise may always have great players, it is the fans that always seem to be somewhat, how shall I say, disfunctional and immature. Who Dey in 2009. Bengals finally win a playoff game with or without Ocho StinkoBy markie
May 13, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
one little thing to say we have Carson Palmer. A much improved defense. and the best uniforms in the league. the steelers have a sketchy offense. an unsure of himself q.b. and the fricking ugliest uniformsBy markie
May 13, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
We have the best Q.B. period deal with it. thats why steeler fans are jealous.By Zach
May 13, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Jay how can you use the word champion in your vocabulary? When is the last time, or the first time the Bengals have been the world champions of professional football? All the Bengals fans can do is talk about the Steelers with envy I was nice and said I hope your team does very well this year and the AFC North returns to supremecy in the NFL and even through that all you can do is run your jaws at our team? We may have ugly uniforms Markie but they sure look mighty fine with the glare from our Super Bowl rings, yup plural 5 of them. Talk all you want but the ONLY PROFESSIONAL football team in Ohio is The Ohio State University Buckeyes!!!! Go BucksBy Zach
May 13, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Markie, the best QB period well Big Ben “the unsure of himself q.b.” finished last year 32 TD to 11 picks and a 101.6 QB rating while Palmer threw 26 TD to 20 INT and just an 86.7 QB rating, he is the best? He hasnt even won you ONE playoff game, oh wait he has only been in one and a former Bengal rolled him up after a current Bengal pushed him into his own QB who cares even if you have the best QB in the league his own line cost him his only chance to win a game! That unsure of himself guy that threw 5 TD’s, in the FIRST HALF against a Baltimore team the Bengals couldnt beat so try and talk to me when you can win a playoff game. You wanna see immaturity look at yourself, grown men going to bed every night hitting your knees praying you will wake up and see the playoffs again in your lifetime, and maybe another Super Bowl game before collapsing with the game on the line, that would be your defense’s MO, always has been and always will be. Get SOME