Paul Brown

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Paul Brown's time with the Bengals began when he founded the team in 1968, bringing his experience from a prior dismissal as the Cleveland Browns head coach. The organization was built on his direct management style; alongside personnel decisions, Michael Brown served as a spokesman for the team on issues of league rules and team policy during this early era. The franchise started within the AFL framework before the merger dynamics shifted. While Paul Brown laid the groundwork, it was his son who would later navigate the complex ownership transitions, including the 1991 succession after Paul's death in August of that year.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of the Bengals begins with Paul Brown establishing the team in 1968, an act driven by his exit from Cleveland. The source details a specific meeting between future sports owners during this era: George Steinbrenner hired Michael Brown as a deck hand for Kinsman Marine Transit Company before Mike followed his father into football management. This connection highlights the personal networks involved in the team's early days. Paul Brown's leadership was absolute, with Michael acting as a key voice on league policy. The timeline is precise: founded in 1968, Paul passed away in August 1991, at which point his son took over the ownership responsibilities that had been shared since the team's inception.

Reader's Guide

Paul Brown founded the Bengals in 1968 as an AFL team. His tenure ended with his death in August 1991. Key figures included his sons: Michael, who joined in 1968 as assistant general manager and became owner in 1991; Pete, who served as senior vice-president of player personnel until his death in 2017; and Robin, who died of cancer in 1978. The focus remains on the founding year of 1968 and the transition of power to Michael in 1991.

Did You Know?

• Paul Brown founded the Bengals in 1968 after a well-publicized falling out with Art Modell that led to his dismissal as Cleveland Browns head coach.
• Michael Brown joined the team upon its founding in 1968, starting as the assistant general manager before becoming owner in 1991.
• George Steinbrenner, future New York Yankees owner, hired Michael Brown for a summer job as a deck hand at Kinsman Marine Transit Company before he entered football management.