In a recent conversation with Bengals.com senior writer Geoff Hobson, Bengals President Mike Brown expressed his unwavering passion for training camps and his admiration for the current edition of the Cincinnati Bengals. As he prepares for his 74th training camp with an NFL club, Brown reflects on his earliest memories of training camps, the thrills of being around the team, and his excitement for the upcoming season.

Growing up surrounded by football, Brown recalls his childhood excitement for training camps. From a young age, he enjoyed watching practices, being around the locker room, and soaking up the atmosphere on the field. His fondness for training camps has remained constant throughout his life, from when he was 12 years old to his present age of 88 or 89.

For Brown, training camps hold a special place because of the camaraderie, the discussions about players in meetings, and the behind-the-scenes work. He cherishes the memories of staying in college dorms, enjoying good food, and witnessing the athleticism of the players. Brown highlights his fascination with observing every position group, from the talented receivers to the linebackers and offensive linemen.

As a former quarterback himself, Brown finds joy in watching Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow. He describes Burrow as exceptional and compares him to Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning, praising his cerebral approach to the game, accuracy, and exceptional mobility within the pocket. Drawing from his experience of watching quarterbacks like Otto Graham back when he was just 12 years old, Brown notes that Burrow has the potential to lead the team to success.

The conversation with Brown also touched on poignant moments in the team's history, including the 25th anniversary of the stadium he fought to build. Brown expresses his pride in the stadium's architectural design and its effectiveness in serving the Cincinnati community. He reminisces about memorable games and the tremendous support from the crowd, particularly during prime-time matchups.

Speaking about the Bengals' fan base, Brown appreciates how the intensity of fan support has grown over the years. From initially being driven by curiosity, the fans have made attending Bengals games a family tradition that spans multiple generations. Brown views this connection between the team and its fans as the essence of their success and feels privileged to be a part of it.

Reflecting on the upcoming training camp, Brown acknowledges that his role has shifted over the years. While he used to deliver speeches focusing on the team's history and the franchise's foundation, he now takes the opportunity to express his support and let the players know that the ownership is invested in their success. Brown ensures that the players feel heard and their voices valued.

As the Bengals aim for success in the upcoming season, Brown emphasizes that every year the goal is the same: to finish strong. With a talented roster and a competitive spirit, the team believes they have what it takes to be contenders. Brown acknowledges the element of luck and the need to win close games but emphasizes the importance of having a roster filled with talent and the belief that they can compete at the highest level.

While Brown keeps the theme for this year's training camp under wraps, fans are eager to witness the evolution of the Bengals and the enthusiasm that Brown brings to each and every season.

As training camp approaches, the Bengals President's lifelong reverence for this special time becomes evident, reflecting his commitment to the team's success and his love for the game.