James Rapien grew up in Saint Bernard, Ohio, and has followed the Cincinnati Bengals from a young age. His hometown is less than eight miles from the stadium. He watched every Bengals game, and he always dreamed of working in sports. The only books he read as a kid were about basketball, baseball, and football.
James earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from the University of Cincinnati. He started his career as a radio producer at 700 WLW and 1530 WCKY. He has covered the Bengals in a variety of ways throughout the years. He’s currently on the AllBengals beat for Sports Illustrated. He also hosts the Locked on Bengals podcast and is the founder of Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube.
James still hosts radio shows and makes frequent appearances on both WLW and WCKY. He’s also a regular contributor to Spectrum News. He loves a good trade rumor and uses copious amounts of hot sauce on his food. Cincinnati chili is his go-to meal, followed by gallons of mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. When he isn’t working or eating, he’s probably walking his dog or spending time with his wife and daughter.
