Andy Dalton
A steady-handed quarterback who anchored the Cincinnati Bengals for nearly a decade, leading them to five consecutive playoff appearances.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football player·Birthday: October 29·Millennials
Biography
Andy Dalton emerged from Texas Christian University as a record-setting winner, a player whose calm demeanor and consistent play earned him the nickname 'the Red Rifle.' Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011, he immediately became the franchise's cornerstone, breaking a long playoff drought in his rookie season. For years, he was the reliable engine of a potent offense, his red hair a familiar sight as he orchestrated drives with methodical precision. While his tenure in Cincinnati eventually ended, his legacy there is defined by stability and a run of postseason berths that revived a struggling team. He has since embraced the role of a respected veteran, providing guidance and capable starts for several franchises as a valued backup.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andy was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Andy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the Cincinnati Bengals to the NFL playoffs in each of his first five seasons as starting quarterback.
- Selected to the NFL Pro Bowl three times (2011, 2014, 2016).
- Holds TCU's record for most quarterback wins in school history.
- Threw for over 4,000 yards in a single season twice during his career with the Bengals.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Jordan, founded the Andy Dalton Foundation, which provides support and opportunities to seriously ill and physically challenged children.
He was a standout high school baseball player and was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2006 MLB draft, though he did not sign.
He earned the MW Offensive Player of the Year award twice while playing for TCU.
“I've always tried to be the same guy, whether we're winning or losing.”
