Atlanta, GA – In a memorable crossover of Cincinnati sports stars, Cincinnati Reds’ young phenom Elly De La Cruz was spotted hanging out with former Bengals wide receiver AJ Green ahead of Monday’s Reds-Braves matchup in Atlanta. The Reds secured an 11-10 win, but the pre-game meeting between De La Cruz and Green was the buzz among fans.
Green, who officially retired as a Bengal last September, shared a photo on his Instagram story with De La Cruz and his two sons. Green sported De La Cruz’s No. 44 Reds jersey, a nod to the rising star’s breakout season. The Reds reposted the image, capturing the attention of Cincinnati fans.
Green, a Georgia Bulldogs legend and the Bengals’ first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, spent a decade with the team before finishing his career with the Arizona Cardinals. He amassed an impressive 649 catches for 9,430 yards during his time in Cincinnati, cementing his legacy as one of the Bengals’ all-time greats.
This meeting between two Cincinnati icons, past and present, highlights the deep connection the city’s sports teams have with their fanbase. As Elly De La Cruz continues to make waves in the MLB, Green’s legacy serves as a reminder of Cincinnati’s storied sports history.
For both Reds and Bengals fans, this meeting was a special moment bridging the past and the future of Cincinnati athletics.
