Quarterback Andy Dalton is entering the twilight of his career. After entering the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton enjoyed stops with the Cowboys, Bears, and Saints before joining his newest team, the Carolina Panthers.
While Dalton is expected to back up No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, he recently revealed that he still sees himself as a starting quarterback at the age of 35.
“I view myself as a starter in this league; I don’t think there are 32 guys better than me,” Dalton told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “But this is the situation I am in, and I understand that. As soon as I don’t think I’m one of the best 32, or a little lower, I’ll be watching football on TV.”
Still, Dalton admitted that he found a good home with Carolina while citing current coaches who played well past his current age.
“I am in a really, really good situation here; Frank Reich played til he was 38. He was a career backup,” Dalton said. “He understands the continuity you want in a (quarterback) room. Josh McCown played until he was 40. Josh was my friend for the last 10 years, and now he’s my coach.”
Dalton’s attitude should serve him well should Young prove not ready for NFL action or miss any significant time due to injury.
