When it comes to running backs that have played for the Cincinnati Bengals, none did it better than Corey Dillon, the organization's second-round pick in 1997.

Dillon wore the Bengals stripes for seven seasons and rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first six, and his 8,061 yards are the most in Bengals history. Also, his 45 rushing touchdowns rank third in Cincinnati. 

The Bengals started their Ring of Honor in 2021, and six members currently reside in it including founder Paul Brown, Hall of Fame offensive lineman Anthony Munoz, and former league MVP Ken Anderson. However, some of the votes for who gets selected come from season-ticket holders and suite holders, and Dillon has a big issue with that.

This ain't a popularity contest," Dillon said, via ESPN. "This is football. You are going to put in somebody who is more popular than somebody who got stats?

Bengals are smart. I give it to them. We will put it in the hands of the season-ticket holders, so they don't have to take that backlash over who the voters are picking. That's bulls—. The s— should come straight from the team. Half these season-ticket holder people never seen half of us play.

Dillon certainly has a point.

The organization knows more than anyone about what players did for the team and what they brought to the playing field week in and week out during their time in Cincinnati. Plus, let's be honest, a lot of people will vote for guys they like more so than those that deserve it in certain cases, that's just human nature in a way.

Dillon is one of 10 running backs in the Super Bowl era who averaged 4.3 yards per carry, racked up 70 yards rushing per game, and ran for 10,000 yards. Eight of those guys are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame but Dillon and Fred Taylor are the only ones who aren't. 

So as you can see, Dillon's career was highly productive, but he doesn't feel any of that will matter when it comes to him getting recognition in Cincinnati.

"I'm pretty sure they will put f—ing Jon Kitna in there before they put me," Dillon told The Athletic. "Matter of fact, Scott Mitchell will end up in that m—–f—er before I do."

If there was a chance that Dillon was going to get in the Bengals' Ring of Honor soon, that may have taken a huge turn. 

Bengals Hall of Famer to receive special honor

He deserves every bit of it.

Feature image via Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports