CINCINNATI, Ohio - Augustana College alum Ken Anderson has been inducted into the inaugural Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor, the organization announced last week. 

Anderson, a 1971 graduate, played four seasons as the Vikings quarterback from 1967-1970. He was named to the Associated Press All-American team (honorable mention) as a sophomore in 1968 and was first team All-Lutheran College honoree as a sophomore and second team as a junior. Anderson also earned CCIW all-conference team three straight years and won the CCIW's Most Valuable Player award in 1970. He played 16 seasons in the NFL for the Bengals, helping lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 1982.

Now, nearly 40 years later, Anderson is now included in what is being called the "Mount Rushmore of the Cincinnati Bengals."

Anderson joins cornerback Ken Riley as the other member to be inducted this summer. The two were part of a 17-man ballot voted upon by the team's season-ticket holders. They also join two others in Paul Brown and Anthony Muñoz who were inducted back in April. The entire class is set to be installed at halftime of the Bengals' Sept. 30 game against the Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium on a Thursday night the club is also honoring that 1981 Super Bowl team.

"I think sometimes people forget today, especially around the country, that the Bengals have a long and rich winning tradition in the National Football League," Anderson said in a virtual news conference on Thursday. "I'm really glad we can focus on that."

The Ring of Honor recognizes former players, coaches and individuals who have played a significant role in the franchise's history and tradition. The Ring of Honor will be displayed on the East facade inside Paul Brown Stadium and live on the team's digital channels.

Anderson was a Bengal for the entirety of a career that spanned from 1971 to 1986. The 16 seasons are the most by a Bengals player. The four-time Pro Bowler played 192 games in a career highlighted by leading the Bengals to their first Super Bowl while winning the NFL MVP and passing title in 1981. Anderson is one of five players in NFL history to win at least four league passing titles, and the only one to win consecutive passing titles in two different decades — 1974-75 and 1981-82. He led the league in completion percentage in the 1982 and 1983 seasons.

Anderson was inducted into the Augustana College Vikings Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2013, Augustana College dedicated the Kenny Anderson Academic All-America Club building as part of the Knowlton Outdoor Athletic Complex. He still holds several school records and finished his collegiate career ranked fifth in NCAA history on the all time list for career total offense yardage with 6,679. His No. 14 jersey number has since been retired.