Dalton’s journey to the NFL begins in Katy, Texas, where he grew up playing football with his older brother, Matt. Both boys were quarterbacks, and their father encouraged them to follow their passion for the sport. As a high school student, Dalton was a standout player, leading his team to a 16-0 record and a state championship in his senior year.
Dalton’s success at the high school level earned him a scholarship to Texas Christian University (TCU). At TCU, Dalton became a four-year starter and led the team to three conference championships and two undefeated regular seasons. He finished his college career with 10,314 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and a 64.6% completion rate.
Despite his impressive college statistics, Dalton’s potential as an NFL player was questioned by many scouts. He was criticized for his lack of arm strength and mobility, and some experts predicted that he would not succeed at the next level. However, the Bengals saw something in Dalton that other teams did not, and they took a chance on him in the second round of the 2011 draft.
Dalton quickly proved his detractors wrong, starting all 16 games in his rookie season and leading the team to a playoff berth. He passed for 3,398 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, earning himself a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team. Dalton’s success continued in the following seasons, as he led the Bengals to playoff appearances in five consecutive years from 2011 to 2015.
Despite his consistent success, Dalton has faced criticism throughout his career, particularly for his playoff performances. The Bengals have yet to win a postseason game with Dalton at the helm, leading some to question his ability to win in big games. In addition, Dalton has occasionally struggled with consistency, particularly in the later stages of his career.
Despite these challenges, Dalton remains a valuable player in the NFL. His leadership and experience make him a sought-after asset for many teams, and his track record of success is hard to ignore. In 2020, Dalton signed with the Dallas Cowboys, where he will serve as the backup to Dak Prescott. Although he may not be a starter this season, Dalton’s experience and skill will undoubtedly make him an important part of the Cowboys roster.
Off the field, Dalton is known for his philanthropy and dedication to helping others. He and his wife, Jordan, founded the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation in 2011, which focuses on supporting sick and disadvantaged children and their families. The foundation has raised over $7 million to date and has helped thousands of families in need.
In conclusion, Andy Dalton is a talented and dedicated athlete who has proven himself as a valuable player in the NFL. Despite facing criticism throughout his career, Dalton’s ability to lead his team to success cannot be denied. Whether he becomes a starter or serves as a backup, Dalton’s experience and skill will continue to make him an important part of any team he plays for.