Bengals' key contributor made an impact in multiple ways this season
The Cincinnati Bengals had another big year finishing 12-4 and winning the AFC North. Quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson were the main contributors as they were all named to the Pro Bowl. However, another veteran made an important impact. When the Bengals looked to rebuild their offensive line […]
The Cincinnati Bengals had another big year finishing 12-4 and winning the AFC North. Quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson were the main contributors as they were all named to the Pro Bowl. However, another veteran made an important impact.
When the Bengals looked to rebuild their offensive line last offseason, one of the first moves was signing center Ted Karras to a three-year deal. According to Pro Football Focus, the veteran responded by finishing with a 76.2 pass blocking grade (fourth among centers) and a 98.4% pass block efficiency rating.
Karras contributed in another way as well. He made himself available to the media consistently in 2022 and gave insightful and thoughtful answers. As a result, Karras was named the winner of the Media Cooperation Award given by the Cincinnati chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Karras joins Bengals' greats such as Lorenzo Neal (2001), Willie Anderson (2002), and Carson Palmer (2009) to receive this honor. He's only the third Bengals' offensive lineman to win the award and the first since Andrew Whitworth who won it in 2012 and 2015.
“Ted epitomized what this honor is all about,” said chapter president Ben Baby. “In addition to constantly being available to speak with reporters, win or lose, he made extraordinary efforts in regard to media relations.”
That's an understatement.
Karras is a member of the NFLPA and played a big part in protocol changes around midseason that moved the daily media availability for all teams to after practices. Also, Karras continued to raise awareness for a nonprofit organization called Village of Merici which focuses on helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with independent living.
It's one thing to sign good football players, and Karras is certainly that. However, Karras has shown that he's made of the right stuff off of the field as well, making his value to the Bengals immeasurable.
Feature image via Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
