End of an era in Cincinnati

*** UPDATE: Bengals announce release ***

Today marks the end of an era for the Cincinnati Bengals and their fans as according to reports, the Bengals have released veteran quarterback, Andy Dalton. Dalton was drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft to add stability to a Bengals team that was dealing with a tumultuous relationship with Carson Palmer. Dalton came in and did just that. Dalton helped see the Bengals into the playoffs for five straight seasons, giving the franchise and its fans hope moving forward. This is a bittersweet moment that sees the departure of one of the greatest quarterbacks in Bengals history.

The writing was on the wall for this scenario to play out, it was all but confirmed when the Bengals selected Joe Burrow with the number one pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. One thing is certain and all but guaranteed, Dalton will no doubt land on his feet as he is highly regarded around the league as one of the better quarterbacks. Some fans around town will certainly disagree, but it’s hard to argue with the fact he is first in Bengals history in a few categories and second in completion percentage (62.0%) and third in games played (133) while being selected to the Pro-Bowl three times.

Andy Dalton finishes his Bengals leader as the all-time leader in passing TD (204), 2nd in passing yards (31,594), most 4th quarter comebacks (20) and game-winning drives (24), three Pro Bowl nods and helped dig them out of the dumps to five playoff appearances. Really solid run.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 30, 2020

While Andy Dalton’s play and productivity on the field has been questioned by fans, it cannot be questioned how valuable Andy his wife Jordan have been off the field for this community. The Andy & JJ Dalton Foundation was established to help pediatric patients and their families throughout the community. If you’re interested in donating to the Andy & JJ Dalton Foundation, you can click here.

There is nothing else to say but thank you. Thank you Andy for all that you did for this franchise in helping keep them as one of top teams in the division during a time where the league did not respect the Bengals. Thank you for all that you did for the community. You are nothing but a class act and deserve nothing but the best for you and for your amazing family. Thank you.

Stay tuned as ISC will bring you more reaction to the release of Andy Dalton and what lies ahead for the Red Rifle as he will certainly be the starting quarterback of a NFL franchise very soon.

Chris Asbrock is a staff writer and analyst for Impact Sports Cincinnati and can be followed on Twitter Follow @iamchrisasbrock and Follow @ISCincy