Joe Burrow attributes a significant portion of the Bengals’ success to Ted Karras. The quarterback emphasizes that Karras’s impact extends beyond his role as the team’s center.
When Ted Karras was acquired by the Cincinnati Bengals prior to the 2022 season, I had a clear understanding of the caliber of person they were bringing into the team.
Karras quickly immersed himself in the local culture by collaborating with the Bengals’ PR team to grasp the origins of the Who Dey Chant. Additionally, it was evident that they were adding a two-time Super Bowl champion center, widely recognized as an exceptional leader and a valuable presence in the locker room.
Karras took nearly every snap at center in the 2022 season, with only seven exceptions, and has continued this trend in the current year, missing just one snap so far. Notably, Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks him as the seventh-best pass-blocking center in the NFL (among centers who have played 80% of the snaps). However, Joe Burrow underscores that much of Karras’s significant contributions to the team occur off the field.
Joe Burrow on Ted Karras' unique role in Cincinnati:
"We wouldn't be who we are without Ted. He brings an energy and a toughness that we didn't have before…. I wouldn't trade him for any center in the league."
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) November 1, 2023
Karras’s involvement in projects like the Cincy Hat venture, which generates income for The Village of Merici, a residential community in Indianapolis catering to adults with disabilities, exemplifies his philanthropic endeavors.
His passionate reaction towards the Tennessee Titans after the Bengals’ victory in the 2022 game further solidified his status as a beloved figure among fans for the past two seasons.
With his impactful leadership in the locker room, his on-field performance, and his charitable initiatives, Karras has earned a special place in the hearts of fans. It’s clear that both Joe Burrow and the majority of Bengals enthusiasts would love to see Ted Karras remain in Cincinnati for the entirety of his career.
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