Geno Atkins from the University of Georgia was picked in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Bengals. He faced many questions about his size; at 6 feet 1 inch, scouts doubted he had the length to compete inside against large interior linemen. However, Atkins utilized his low center of gravity and quick first step, transforming the role of a modern three-technique defensive tackle and becoming a key part of Cincinnati's defense for more than ten years.

Atkins played with leverage and leverage-driven power. He combined a violent, quick-hand swim move with a bull rush that caught guards on their heels, collapsing passing pockets directly into the quarterback's face. His sudden lateral quickness allowed him to shoot B-gaps before interior linemen could set their stance, making him a nightmare against draw plays and inside zone schemes.

In 2010, as a rookie, Atkins played mainly in a rotational role and recorded 3.0 sacks. He became a starter in 2011 and quickly achieved recognition by earning his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-Team All-Pro honors, thanks to his 7.0 sacks.

His career peak came in 2012 when he led as an interior lineman, recording 12.5 sacks, 53 tackles, and four forced fumbles. That year, he earned his first First-Team All-Pro honor and his second Pro Bowl invitation, playing a key role in a defense that took Cincinnati to the playoffs.

After suffering an ACL tear midway through the 2013 season, Atkins returned to top form in 2015. He tied his career high with 11.0 sacks, earned his second First-Team All-Pro nod, and led a 12–4 Bengals team to an AFC North crown. Atkins rattled off six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2014 through 2019, including a 10.0-sack campaign in 2018. Across the 2010s, no defensive tackle in the NFL recorded more total sacks than his 75.5.

A severe shoulder injury limited Atkins to just eight games in 2020, bringing his tenure with the Bengals to a close. In 11 seasons in Cincinnati (2010–2020), he played in 161 regular-season games, racking up 75.5 sacks, 384 total tackles, 99 tackles for loss, and 8 forced fumbles. His decade-long dominance earned him a coveted spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.