Andy Dalton is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on October 29, 1987, in Katy, Texas, and attended TCU, where he played college football for the Horned Frogs.
Dalton was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He quickly became the team's starting quarterback and led them to the playoffs in each of his first five seasons. During this time, he established himself as one of the league's most consistent and reliable quarterbacks, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in each of his first six seasons.
Despite his success in the regular season, Dalton struggled in the playoffs, failing to win a single postseason game during his time with the Bengals. This led to criticism from fans and analysts, who questioned his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
In 2018, Dalton suffered a season-ending injury, and the Bengals struggled without him, finishing with a 6-10 record. The following year, the team drafted quarterback Joe Burrow with the first overall pick, signaling the end of Dalton's tenure in Cincinnati.
In 2020, Dalton signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a backup quarterback. However, he was thrust into the starting role after Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury in Week 5. Dalton struggled at times, but he was able to lead the Cowboys to a few key victories and keep them in the playoff hunt until the final weeks of the season.
After the season, Dalton signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears, where he will serve as the team's backup quarterback behind starter Justin Fields.
Throughout his career, Dalton was known for his accuracy, intelligence, and leadership on the field. He finished his career with over 33,000 passing yards and 218 touchdowns, and he ranks among the Bengals' all-time leaders in several statistical categories.
Off the field, Dalton was also known for his charitable work, particularly his involvement with the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation, which provides support and resources to families with children who have special needs.
Overall, Andy Dalton had a successful career as an NFL quarterback, despite his struggles in the playoffs. He was a consistent performer who earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, and he will be remembered as one of the Bengals' all-time greats.
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