.png)
Chris Roling
It didn’t take long for offensive tackle Riley Reiff to make a big impression on his new Cincinnati Bengals teammates and coaches.
Signed as the possible solution for the problem at right tackle, Reiff showed up on the first day of voluntary OTA workouts and was the first lineman on the field.
Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com captured the scene:
“Reiff was the first
O-lineman on the field Tuesday morning as he stretched himself out. Offensive
line coach Frank Pollack couldn’t contain his glee as he pointed at him and
exclaimed, ‘Look at that, ten-year guy and he’s the first one out here. That’s
why he’s been in the league so long.'”
It’s saying something that a line coach like Frank Pollack came away so impressed with the veteran.
Of course, it says quite a bit more about Reiff, who is now 32 and playing for his third team in his career, this time on a one-year deal.
This small, albeit big bit of action from Reiff shows that he fits in just right alongside what the Bengals are trying to do leadership-wise. After prioritizing collegiate captains in the draft and veteran leaders on the market, it’s clear Reiff is right there as a key locker room presence leading by example.
If Reiff’s play can match some of the positivity of his early impressions, he’ll go down as one of free agency’s bigger steals.
