Former Alabama defensive back flies with the Blue Angels

Former Alabama defensive back and current Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle recently traded the gridiron for the cockpit, taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience by flying with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Battle took to the skies with Lt. Ronny Hafeza in an F/A-18 Super Hornet ahead of the squadron’s high-flying performance at the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show, hosted at Dayton International Airport in Vandalia, Ohio.

Aiming for Takeoff in Cincinnati

While his weekend was defined by high-altitude maneuvers, Battle is now focused on helping the Bengals take off on the field. The former standout at Alabama—where he appeared in two CFP national championship games—joined the Bengals as a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite a storied collegiate career, Battle has yet to see his NFL squad reach the postseason in his three years with the team.

Following a challenging 6-11 finish in 2025, where quarterback Joe Burrow was sidelined for nine games and the defense struggled statistically across the board, optimism is building in Cincinnati. Battle believes the arrival of new defensive coordinator Al Golden will be a catalyst for change.

Confidence on the Rise

"The confidence of the team is already through the roof," Battle said. "Just with the guys we signed, we feel very comfortable in the things that they do. And just with the guys coming back, I feel like everybody’s matured a little bit more and everybody’s ready to take the next step."

Battle is also looking to grow personally, aiming to step into a more vocal leadership role. "Understanding that I’m in a position to where I can speak up, just voice my opinion and guys will listen," he noted.

After a breakout 2025 campaign, Battle started every game for Cincinnati, logging 1,047 defensive snaps, four interceptions, and a league-leading 125 tackles among NFL defensive backs.

A New Look for the Bengals

The roster has received a significant infusion of talent this offseason. Key additions include defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, defensive end Boye Mafe, and safety Bryan Cook through free agency, plus defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence via trade. The team also bolstered its ranks through the draft by selecting Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell and Washington cornerback Tacario Davis.

"Feel like, going into this year’s OTAs, the most confident I’ve been with the group," Battle said. "Feel like everybody’s just bonding so easily. Even with the new guys coming in, it was like we knew these guys last year, and we just met them."

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