It took a few years for the Cincinnati Bengals to get it together under head coach Zac Taylor. But they have turned into one of the best teams in the NFL.

With multiple deep playoff runs over the last two seasons, there's been a plethora of postseason wins for Cincinnati. However, Taylor has found a way to make the fans of the Bengals a part of the experience. 

When the Bengals beat the Las Vegas Raiders in the Wild-Card round of the 2021 playoffs, their first postseason win since 1990, Taylor started an amazing tradition to ingratiate himself with Bengals fans all across the city of Cincinnati. He began going to local bars and passing out game balls to the fans.

Taylor recently made an appearance on "The Mental Game" podcast with Brandon Saho, and the expectation he gave for why he started this tradition is inspiring.

"It was one of those things, you know those tough nights I had when we were not winning games and you're driving down I think it's Third Street, Second Street whatever the street is that drives by the (Cincinnati) Reds stadium, and driving home and just thinking about okay what a parade would look like and big wins and people on the streets," said Taylor.

The Bengals won a total of six games in Taylor's first two years on the job, so those undoubtedly were some depressing nights going back to his residence. Since 2021, it's been 22 regular season wins and five playoff victories for the Bengals with two coming on their home turf.

"The game ended and I think the first thing I shook Rich Bisaccia's hand, the head coach of the Raiders, and the first I did was go to Doug (Rosfeld), probably at midfield, and say 'We gotta get those balls, and let's get to work on this thing.' So, I drove my kids to a bar, left them in the parking lot with my friend and I went into MLT's and I brought Kevin Huber along for the ride as well and we made it happen."

Rosfeld is the Chief of Coaching Staff for the Bengals and Huber was a punter for the team for 14 seasons (2009-2022). MLT's stands for Mt. Lookout Tavern which is known for having the best-smoked wings in Cincinnati. 

Taylor is a native of Norman, Oklahoma, and naturally rooted for the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2000, when Taylor was still in high school, the Sooners won the national title. His memories during that time were another motivating factor for establishing the game ball tradition in Cincinnati that has bonded the city with the team even further. 

"Often times as we're going through our Super Bowl run, I would remember how I felt as a high school junior when the team was doing so well and the experiences after wins," Taylor said. "I want to experience that with our fans. I love driving through Cincinnati after a big win. I cherish driving into the games, I cherish driving out of games. I look at every fan that's on the side, I look at every jersey and I certainly don't take for granted all the wins we have now. I cherish every single second of it."

It's safe to say that after 30 years of non-playoff success, Bengals fans not only appreciate the team's current winning ways but how Taylor is making them feel a part of the team's journey on the field.

Feature image via Albert Cesare / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK