Bengals News: Andy Dalton will have a lasting impact in Cincinnati

The Bengals news that many had been expecting for a while finally came out of Cincinnati, as the team reportedly released Andy Dalton.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the Bengals news that most of the sports world has been expecting since Cincinnati obtained the number one overall pick; Andy Dalton has been released.

The nine-year veteran had a memorable career in stripes. From the 5-year postseason run, to breaking the franchise record for touchdown passes, and everything in between, Andy Dalton will have a lasting impact on the Queen City.

The former Rose Bowl MVP found his way on the squad at one of the lowest points in franchise history. The Bengals had just been spurned by former number one overall pick, Carson Palmer. The league had come to a screeching halt in a lockout. The memory of a 4-win season was still fresh in the minds of fans.

When the Bengals added the red-rifle in the second round of the draft, expectations were at an all-time low. Many even predicted the team to go winless the following season. Under Dalton’s leadership, however, the organization found themselves playoff bound.

Dalton had made the entire city forget the sting of the recent disappointments and over the course of his nine-year tenure, he never once turned his back on the city.

While many of the moments he will be remembered for came on the field, it’s what he did off it that will forever make him a part of the Cincinnati community. The Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation has helped so many in the area in more ways than one. Their primary mission has been to provide support to pediatric patients and their families. It’s safe to say they accomplished that, along with much more.

Dalton will undoubtedly find a new franchise to call home. It would be no surprise if he found astounding success. No matter what happens though, he will always be a Bengal and have a place to call home in Cincinnati, Ohio.