Zack Moss Sounds Off on Bengals: “Worst Franchise in Sports” - And Some Fans Are Nodding Along
Zack Moss may not be suiting up on Sundays right now, but he’s still making headlines - and this time, it’s not for anything he did on the field. The former Bengals running back, who was released by the team back in July, took to social media over the weekend and didn’t hold back when it came to his former employer.
In response to a viral post poking fun at the Bengals’ snowy stadium seat debacle ahead of their Week 15 matchup against the Ravens, Moss dropped a hammer of a take:
“Been telling people easily the worst franchise in sports!”
That’s not exactly a subtle jab - and it’s not the kind of comment you usually hear from a player just a few months removed from the roster. But for anyone who’s been watching the Bengals’ season unfold, it’s also not entirely out of left field.
Snow, Shutouts, and a Sputtering Season
Let’s start with the snow. Before the Bengals even took the field Sunday, they were already catching heat for failing to clear snow off the seats at Paycor Stadium - a potential violation of NFL gameday protocols. The league ultimately cleared them of any wrongdoing, but it added another layer to what’s been a frustrating and at times baffling season in Cincinnati.
Then came the game. A 24-0 shutout loss to the Ravens.
At home. In December.
With the season on the line.
That kind of performance - combined with the off-field optics - only fueled the narrative that something deeper is broken in Cincinnati. And Moss, who’s been on the inside, clearly sees it that way.
Moss Isn’t Alone - and He Knows It
Moss didn’t stop at one tweet. When fans chimed in with their own frustration, he responded with laughing emojis and a comment that hinted at some self-awareness:
“😂 a tie”
He’s not pretending he lit it up during his time with the Bengals. Injuries have played a big role in stalling his career. But his willingness to take a public swing at the franchise suggests his issues go beyond personal disappointment.
And here’s the thing - plenty of Bengals fans didn’t rush to defend the team. In fact, many seemed to agree with him. That says a lot.
A Bigger Problem Than Just One Game
This isn’t just about snow on seats or a single ugly loss. It’s about a pattern - one that’s been building for years.
The Bengals have Joe Burrow, one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, and yet they’ve failed to capitalize on his prime. Injuries have derailed multiple seasons, yes.
But there’s a growing sense that the organization hasn’t done enough to protect its franchise cornerstone or build a sustainable winning infrastructure around him.
Whether it’s roster depth, training staff investments, or overall organizational strategy, the Bengals have struggled to shake the perception that they’re stuck in an outdated mode of operation. And when you combine that with a reputation for being frugal - particularly under longtime owner Mike Brown - the criticism starts to feel less like hot takes and more like hard truths.
The Frustration Is Real - And It’s Not Just Coming From the Outside
What makes Moss’s comments sting a little more is that he’s not some outsider throwing stones. He was in the building.
He saw how things worked - or didn’t - from the inside. And now, watching from afar, he’s not seeing much that’s changed.
The Bengals are facing a critical stretch. Burrow is the kind of player who can lift a franchise, but even he can’t do it alone. If Cincinnati wants to avoid wasting what should be the golden years of their star quarterback’s career, they’ll need to prove that they can do more than just flash potential.
That starts with the basics - like clearing snow off the seats - but it goes much deeper. It’s about culture, investment, and attention to detail. Right now, those things seem to be in short supply.
Zack Moss may be on the outside looking in, but his words are echoing in a fanbase that’s seen enough to know he might just be onto something.