'Bengals twins' selected to attend exclusive NFL Draft event
Apr. 14—Dayton natives and twin brothers Jeff and Steve Nagel had a chance to go to the NFL Draft two years ago in Detroit as part of the Cincinnati Bengals' "Inner Circle" representatives, but had to decline the invitation because of a schedule conflict. After learning later what a unique opportunity they missed out on, Jeff said he and his brother wished they had made it work.
Now, the lifelong Bengals fans have another chance, and they are taking it. The Bengals selected Jeff and Steve, widely known as the "Bengals Twins," to represent the franchise in the exclusive "Inner Circle" at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa. , on April 23-25.
The "Inner Circle," which only takes place the first two days of the draft but also includes activities April 22, is one of the most prestigious honors for NFL superfans, with only seven primary fans, plus a guest, selected from each of the 32 teams' fan bases annually. For the Nagel brothers, this selection is the culmination of a 44-year journey as season ticket holders. "I don't think our feet have hit the ground," Steve Nagel said.
"We're so excited. " Jeff Nagel had made a routine call to his season ticket representative, Mary, and that's when he was asked about attending the draft. He was surprised by the offer and had to check schedules with work and Steve, but it was an easy decision this time, he said.
The twins have been going to Bengals games since they were young kids, originally taking an interest after seeing their since-deceased Uncle Ron Nagel and Aunt Wilma ("Willie"), always going to training camp practices and games as season ticket holders. Steve said they saw how much fun their uncle and aunt were having and started following the team as well. When Ron Nagel passed away unexpectedly and Wilma's health declined, the season tickets got passed along to Jeff and Steve, who are now 59 years old.