Early Life and Education of Andy Dalton: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 18, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Andy Dalton. A timeline of key moments.

Andrew Gregory "Andy" Dalton is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as "the Red Rifle," he achieved significant success at Texas Christian University (TCU), earning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year twice and becoming TCU's all-time leader in quarterback wins. Dalton was drafted into the NFL by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 29, 1987: Birth of Andrew Gregory Dalton

On October 29, 1987, Andrew Gregory Dalton, later nicknamed "the Red Rifle", was born. He would become a professional football quarterback.

2004: Splitting time as a junior

In 2004, Andy Dalton split time as a junior while playing for the Katy High School football team.

October 19, 2005: Committed to TCU

On October 19, 2005, Andy Dalton committed to play football at Texas Christian University (TCU), marking an important step in his college career.

2005: Led Katy High to State Finals

In 2005, as a senior quarterback for Katy High School, Andy Dalton led the team to the state finals. He threw for 2,877 yards with 42 touchdowns and was named the Greater Houston Area offensive player of the year by the Houston Chronicle.

2007: Named TCU Starting Quarterback and Texas Bowl MVP

In 2007, Andy Dalton was named the starting quarterback for TCU and led them to a victory in the Texas Bowl against the Houston Cougars, earning MVP honors. He finished the season with 2,459 passing yards and 10 touchdowns.

2008: Leads TCU to 11-2 Record

In 2008, Andy Dalton led TCU to an 11-2 record, finishing second in the Mountain West Conference and seventh in the national AP Poll. He was named the Poinsettia Bowl MVP, finishing the season with 2,242 passing yards and 11 touchdowns.

2009: Perfect Regular Season with TCU

In 2009, Andy Dalton led the TCU Horned Frogs to a perfect 12-0 regular season, a Mountain West Conference Championship, a #6 ranking in the AP Poll, and a BCS berth. The team however lost 17-10 in the Fiesta Bowl to Boise State. He finished the season with 2,756 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.

September 4, 2010: TCU All-Time Wins Leader

On September 4, 2010, Andy Dalton recorded his 30th victory as the Horned Frogs starting quarterback, passing Sammy Baugh as TCU's all-time wins leader, marking a significant milestone in his college career.

January 1, 2011: Rose Bowl Victory

On January 1, 2011, Andy Dalton led TCU to a 21-19 victory over the #4 Wisconsin Badgers in the Rose Bowl, completing a perfect 13-0 season and finishing with a #2 ranking in the AP Poll. He finished the 2010 season with 2,857 passing yards and 27 touchdowns.

July 9, 2011: Marriage to Jordan Jones

On July 9, 2011, Andy Dalton married his longtime girlfriend, Jordan Jones, whom he met at TCU.

July 2014: Birth of first son

In July 2014, Andy Dalton and his wife, Jordan Jones, welcomed their first son.

March 2017: Birth of second son

In March 2017, Andy Dalton and his wife welcomed their second son.

2017: Donations to Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation

In 2017, after Dalton helped the Bengals defeat the Ravens, Bills fans donated to the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation, exceeding $360,000 in less than a week, mostly in $17 increments to honor the Bills' 17-year playoff drought.