The 1971 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's fourth year in professional football and its second with the National Football League. Cornerback Lemar Parrish set a team record with seven interceptions, including one for a 65-yard score, Cincinnati's first-ever interception return for a touchdown. The Bengals, coming off their first division winning season of 1970, drafted quarterback Ken Anderson in the third round. Anderson would go on to play 16 seasons for the club and set numerous team passing records.