TCU’s Patterson fired up to see Andy Dalton land with the Dallas Cowboys
Nobody is happier to see Andy Dalton joining the Dallas Cowboys than Gary Patterson.
“No. 1, I’m really excited for Andy,” said Patterson, who coached Dalton at TCU from 2006-10. “He’s a consummate team player. They’re going to love him.
“And, selfishly, I’m excited for us because having him back in the Metroplex to continue his playing career where it all started is just outstanding.”
Dalton, who makes his home in Dallas, becomes the third TCU product on the Cowboys’ roster for the upcoming season, joining undrafted free-agent signings Sewo Olonilua and Darius Anderson.
Patterson has seen just two other players he coached spend time with the Cowboys. Former safety Stephen Hodge was a sixth-round pick by the Cowboys in 2009 who never played a regular-season game, and former running back Aaron Green spent less than a month on the Cowboys’ practice squad in 2017.
“I’m excited to have three guys with the Cowboys,” Patterson said.
Dalton and the Cowboys reached a one-year deal worth up to $7 million that includes $3 million guaranteed, sources confirmed to the Star-Telegram. He’s expected to provide a veteran presence in the quarterback room, providing insurance behind starter Dak Prescott.
Dalton had a successful nine-year run with the Cincinnati Bengals, joining that organization as a second-round pick in 2011. The Bengals released Dalton on Thursday, as he left as the franchise’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns (204), fourth-quarter comebacks (20) and game-winning drives (24). He’s second in passing yards (31,594).
Dalton was selected to three Pro Bowls and carried the Bengals to five playoff berths. He’s in an exclusive group of quarterbacks who have thrown for 30,000 yards passing, 200 TDs and won 70 games since 2011, along with Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger.
Prior to his NFL career, Dalton became a TCU legend, highlighted by a Rose Bowl victory and perfect 13-0 record in 2010.
He closed his career as the program’s first quarterback to throw for 10,000 yards (10,314) and 71 touchdowns. Both were program records when Dalton left, which were then surpassed by Trevone Boykin.
In Dalton’s final three seasons (2008-10), TCU went 36-3 and finished ranked No. 7, 6 and 2 in the country.
“I don’t know how they’re going to use him, but he’ll give the Cowboys a veteran guy to help in many ways,” Patterson said. “His actions speak for themselves. He’s a family guy. He’s a team guy. He’s a community guy. He’s going to do a lot for DFW.”
This story was originally published May 2, 2020 at 9:42 PM.
