Taken 15th overall in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft out of San Diego State, Isaac Curtis arrived in Southwest Ohio with Olympic-caliber track speed. Over a 12-season career spent exclusively with the Cincinnati Bengals, Curtis revolutionized deep-threat wide receiver play, forcing NFL defenses to fundamentally change how they covered pass catchers along the boundary.

Curtis had exceptional acceleration, a long stride, and soft hands, making him a formidable downfield threat. As Cincinnati’s main deep target, his speed to outrun physical press coverage was so effective that opponents often grabbed and shoved him, leading to the NFL introducing stricter pass interference rules called the "Isaac Curtis Rule." His ability to track long passes transformed basic post and fly routes into quick scoring opportunities for Ken Anderson.

Curtis entered the professional scene in 1973 with an impressive rookie season, recording 45 receptions for 843 yards and nine touchdowns, which earned him his first Pro Bowl honor. In 1974, he further improved his efficiency, scoring 10 touchdowns from just 30 catches, averaging 21.1 yards per reception, and earning Second-Team All-Pro recognition.

His peak performance continued into 1975, when he led the NFL with an impressive 21.2 yards per catch on 44 receptions for 934 yards and seven touchdowns. In 1976, he earned his fourth straight Pro Bowl selection and third consecutive Second-Team All-Pro honor after accumulating 766 receiving yards and six touchdowns. After knee surgery shortened his 1977 season, Curtis returned in 1978, posting a career-high 47 catches for 737 yards. He stayed a key veteran contributor into the early 1980s, helping Cincinnati reach its first Super Bowl in the 1981 season.

Curtis retired after the 1984 season, ending a 12-year career entirely with Western Ohio. He set franchise records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns. In 2021, the Bengals honored him by inducting him into their first Ring of Honor class. Throughout his career, he achieved 416 receptions, 7,101 yards, 53 touchdowns, and a franchise-best 17.1 yards per catch.