Former Dalton Risner, who rose to prominence during his time with the Kansas State Wildcats football, has once again made headlines after agreeing to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with the Cincinnati Bengals, continuing his professional football journey in the league.
Risner built his reputation as one of Kansas State’s most dependable offensive linemen, playing from 2015 to 2018 after redshirting in 2014. During his collegiate career, he served as team captain for three consecutive seasons while starting 50 of 51 games, showcasing leadership, durability, and consistent performance on the offensive line.
His college achievements earned him national recognition, including multiple All-Big 12 selections and a First-Team All-American honor in 2018, helping elevate his draft stock before he was selected 41st overall by the Denver Broncos in the 2019 NFL Draft.
After spending time in Denver and later playing for the Minnesota Vikings, Risner joined Cincinnati ahead of the 2025 season. Last year, he appeared in 14 games and made nine starts at right guard, finishing the campaign with a strong 92.6% win rate and ranking among the more efficient active guards in the league.
His impact extended beyond individual statistics, as the Bengals’ overall pass-block win rate improved after he settled into a starting role on the offensive line. For Kansas State supporters, Risner’s continued NFL presence serves as a reminder of the program’s ability to develop professional-level talent and produce long-term contributors at the highest level of football.
