Although the Cincinnati Bengals have played in two Super Bowls, the football team's most famous game may well be the "Freezer Bowl" - the AFC Championship played at Riverfront Stadium on Jan. 10, 1982. It was the coldest game in NFL history, based on wind chill factor. The temperature was 9 degrees, but the wind chill was 59 below zero. Bengals coach Forrest Gregg prepared his team by saying: "Look at this game like you're going to the dentist. It's going to hurt." In a show of bravado, Bengals linemen played with their arms bared (albeit slathered with petroleum jelly). Some fans got into the spirit by doffing coats and shirts - and cheering bare-chested. But the San Diego Chargers wore three layers of clothes under their jerseys - and ski masks under their helmets. Cincinnati thrashed the Californians 27-7, earning the Bengals their first Super Bowl trip.

Rebecca Billman

Ohio Moments will appear here daily during 2003. Have a suggestion? E-mail rbillman@enquirer.com or call (513) 768-8361.