With 2024 now in the rearview mirror. Along with the first quarter of the 21st century. Cincy Sports Journal reflects on some of the best and worst of 2024 in Cincinnati sports.

Best athlete: Joe Burrow

In a season where Saquon Barkley is closing in on Eric Dickerson’s single season NFL rushing record. The Kansas City Chiefs maintain hopes of a Super Bowl three-peat. While the Cincinnati Bengals need a win to clinch a winning season and some help to get into the playoffs. The fact that Joe Burrow is in the NFL’s Most Valuable Player conversation showcases the season he is having. Burrow leads the league with 4,641 passing yards going into 2025. Nearly 300 yards ahead of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. On top of that, Burrow is having the healthiest season of his career.

Worst athlete(s): the Kentucky Men’s Basketball team’s performance in the NCAA Tournament

The 2020’s have been a rough decade for Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament. The Kentucky Wildcats are 1-4 in the NCAA Tournament in this decade. Not advancing to the Sweet 16 in this decade. Their fourth loss came in the first round of the 2024 tournament. In an upset to No.14 seed Oakland. The Wildcats couldn’t manage to stop Oakland’s Jack Gohlke. He scored a career high 32 points in that game.

Best team: FC Cincinnati

Even though the team hit a dry spell late in the regular season. FC Cincinnati did manage to clinch a third-consecutive MLS Cup Playoffs berth. All while navigating through injuries, penalty-related suspensions and roster changes. Along with the tragic death of FC Cincinnati player Marco Angulo at age 22. He died in November due to injuries he sustained in an October car crash in Ecuador.

Worst team: Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds fans had reasons to feel hopeful one month into the season. Especially with a promising roster that kept the Reds in contention deep in 2023. Typically the first month of the season in the David Bell era went poorly for the Reds. Usually the team would find their stride in June and early July. That wasn’t the case for the Reds this year. The Reds emerged from April with a decent record. Yet, as the season progressed, the team struggled to keep up and that ultimately cost Bell his job.

Best coach or management: Notre Dame Football coach Marcus Freeman

After an upset home loss to Northern Illinois earlier this season. Notre Dame roster their way into the College Football Playoff. Winning all of their ten remaining regular season games. Many by more than a one possession margin. Then beating Indiana in the CFP’s first round. Along with beating Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday. Putting the Irish two wins away from a national title.

Worst coach or management: Canada’s national soccer team’s management

A drone spying scandal cast a pall over Canada’s Olympic women’s soccer team. Prompting the firing of Canada’s head coach Beverley Priestman. While FIFA suspended two other members of the Canadian coaching staff implicated in the scandal. Canada faced a six match-point penalty in the Olympic tournament. Canada, which went into the games as the defending gold medalists, still qualified for the quarterfinals despite the penalties. Canada lost in the quarterfinals to Germany in a penalty shootout. Had it not been for the scandal, perhaps Canada, which features University of Cincinnati alumnus Vanessa Gilles, would’ve made it to the medal podium.

Best game or moment: the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team winning gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics

After a disappointing performance in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A coaching change and a few players retirements. Along with memories of missing out on gold in 2021’s Tokyo Olympics. The USWNT went into Paris looking for a reset. With a new generation of players gaining prominence. The USWNT left the Paris games with the gold medal they sought.

Worst game or moment: the Reds get no-hit by Blake Snell

Watching a home team get no hit is rough for the home teams fans. Having it happen at the hands of a defending Cy Young Award winner is also rough. Last August 2nd, the Reds endured that moment. Through losing in a no hitter at the hands of San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell. Marking the second time the Reds have been no hit at Great American Ball Park. The game was part of a frustrating season for the Reds.

Best move: the Reds decision to fire manager David Bell

The Reds parted ways with Bell with one week left in the season. Bell’s tenure as manage did feature a few accomplishments. The team qualified for the 2020 MLB Postseason. They were contenders deep into 2021 and 2023. The typically level headed Bell also ironically set the Reds record for the most ejections from games in 2024.

Yet, the Reds also endured a 100-loss 2022 season. While failing to qualify for the Postseason in five of Bell’s six seasons as manager. Giving the Reds many reasons to make a change. Bringing on Terry Francona to be Cincinnati’s new manager. The Reds hope Francona’s experience will boost a promising Reds roster into contention more consistently.

Worst move: the Bengals trade Joe Mixon

When the Bengals traded Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans in March 2024. The trade looked more promising at the time than has panned out. After adding running back Zack Moss from the Indianapolis Colts. Moss’ injury and Mixon’s departure out the Bengals rushing game in a rut. In that void, Chase Brown is stepping up as the Bengals leading rusher. Brown has 990 yards going into 2025, three yards behind Mixon.

In conclusion

2024 featured a full mix of emotions for Cincinnati sports fans. From mourning the death of Baseball’s hit king Pete Rose. To the communal celebrations over local Olympians performances. 2024 featured many captivating moments on and off of the field. Hopefully 2025 is a happy and peaceful year for you and your loved ones.