The Carolina Panthers’ preseason matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Friday delivered a lighthearted viral moment courtesy of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.
In the third quarter, the 37-year-old, entering his 15th NFL season and his third with the Panthers, pump-faked a screen pass to his left before attempting to turn downfield. Instead, Dalton lost his footing and fell to the turf.
Dalton could only laugh, throwing his hands in the air as the play ended. While the slip may have been a reminder of his age, it also served as a testament to his easygoing nature and veteran poise.
A Veteran Presence in Carolina
Dalton has been a steady hand for the Panthers since arriving in 2023. Last season, he made six appearances and five starts after rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the 2023 first overall pick, was benched. Dalton completed 66.3% of his passes for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions.
His time as starter was cut short after a thumb injury sustained in a car accident sidelined him. By the time he recovered, Young had reclaimed the starting role and held it for the remainder of the season.
Contract Extension and Mentorship Role
Despite not being the Week 1 starter this fall, Dalton’s role in Carolina remains crucial. On February 18, he signed a two-year, $8 million extension (worth up to $10 million with incentives). Young himself praised the move, highlighting Dalton’s mentorship.
“Me and Andy are super close,” Young said. “From when I first got here, just being able to talk with him… whether it’s Xs and Os or it’s philosophical things… he is always there, just trying to help me out. Having a guy like that who really does it for the right reasons is super rare. I’m super grateful for that.”
Looking Ahead
Dalton knows his role is as much about leadership as it is about readiness. NFL quarterbacks go down with injuries almost every week, meaning his number could be called at any time.
“I think the trajectory of this team is trending in the right direction, and you want to be a part of it,” Dalton said. “The right people are here, and they’re going to keep adding to it… I want to be part of the whole building of this thing.”
While Friday’s slip will likely be remembered as a light preseason blooper, it doesn’t overshadow Dalton’s importance to the Panthers, as a mentor, locker-room leader, and seasoned backup ready to step in when needed.
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