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NFL Greatest Unsung Heroes In History of All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 01: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet sits on the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Aller /Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 01: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet sits on the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Aller /Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals

. RB. Cincinnati Bengals. Charles Alexander . 7. player. 56

Probably the most celebrated team in Cincinnati Bengals history is the 1988 version that went 12-4 and came mere seconds away from winning the Super Bowl. While that’s easy to understand, it’s also a shame because the 1981 team that also reached the big game was too. They also went 12-4 and actually had to travel a much tougher road to get there.

Most remember Kenny Anderson as the primary driving force behind the push. Again, not a surprise. Anderson was and still is a massively underrated quarterback. However, his success that year wouldn’t have reached the heights it did without seldom-mentioned running back Charles Alexander.

Let’s be clear. Alexander was mostly a reserve and scat back who served a variety of roles. It was the 1981 playoffs where he shined. Nowhere brighter than the opener against Buffalo. After building a 14-0 lead, Cincinnati watched as the Bills came back to tie the game in the 3rd quarter. They had no momentum going until Alexander scored his second touchdown of the day, a 20-yard breakaway to make it 21-14.

That play got the Bengals rolling and they went on to prevail 28-21, setting up their big win in the Freezer Bowl the next week against San Diego.

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