Dalton Risner Bio
Dalton William Risner is an American professional football offensive guard for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 13, 1995, in Branson, Missouri, Risner played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his professional career, Risner has established himself as a reliable and durable offensive lineman, earning recognition such as the PFWA All-Rookie Team honor in 2019. Beyond his on-field achievements, Risner is known for his charitable work through the RisnerUp Foundation and his role as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics International.
Early Life and Background
Dalton Risner grew up in Wiggins, Colorado, where he attended Wiggins High School. During his high school years, Risner developed his skills as an offensive lineman, demonstrating the physical tools and football intelligence that would later serve him well at the collegiate level. His performance in high school laid the foundation for his pursuit of football at the highest levels of the sport.
Risner graduated from high school and transitioned to playing college football at Kansas State University, where he would spend five seasons honing his craft and building a reputation as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the Big 12 Conference.
Path to American Football
Risner arrived at Kansas State University in 2014 and immediately began making an impact. Over the course of his collegiate career from 2014 to 2018, he started 50 of 51 games, displaying remarkable consistency and durability. His progression through the Kansas State program showcased his development from a promising freshman to one of the top offensive linemen in the country.
As a senior in 2018, Risner reached the pinnacle of his college career. He was named a First-team All-American by multiple publications, highlighting his status as one of the best offensive linemen in the nation. Additionally, he earned Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year honors and was recognized as a First-team All-Big 12 selection for the third consecutive season. These accolades cemented his reputation as a dominant force along the offensive line and positioned him for the NFL Draft.
Dalton Risner Career
Denver Broncos Era (2019–2022)
Dalton Risner was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The selection reflected the Broncos’ confidence in Risner’s abilities and their belief in his potential to anchor their offensive line for years to come. Upon joining the team, Risner quickly proved his value.
He was named the starting left guard as a rookie and held that position for the next four seasons, missing only four total games due to injury during that span. His durability and consistent performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2019. Risner’s ability to immediately contribute at a high level demonstrated why he was considered one of the top offensive line prospects in his draft class.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2023–2024)
On September 19, 2023, Risner signed with the Minnesota Vikings after his departure from Denver. He was immediately inserted into the starting lineup as the left guard beginning in Week 7 of that season, continuing his streak of being a reliable starter at the guard position. His addition provided stability to the Vikings’ offensive line.
Risner re-signed with the Vikings on May 31, 2024, indicating the team’s continued confidence in his abilities. However, his 2024 season was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on August 27. He was activated on November 2, returning to contribute during the latter portion of the season. Despite the injury setback, Risner’s track record of durability and performance remained a testament to his professionalism and work ethic.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2025–Present)
On August 27, 2025, Risner signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. Following a Week 1 injury to Lucas Patrick, Risner was named the starting right guard in Week 2, demonstrating his ability to step in and perform at a high level. He later shifted to left guard for Weeks 6 and 7 before returning to right guard duties as the season progressed.
Risner became a fixture in the Bengals’ starting lineup, replacing Jalen Rivers in Week 12 and maintaining his position for the remainder of the season. His versatility and adaptability across different guard positions proved valuable to the Bengals’ offensive line. On March 2, 2026, Risner signed a one-year contract extension with the Bengals, securing his place with the team for the foreseeable future.
Playing Style and Strengths
Risner is known for his physicality, fundamentals, and consistency as an offensive guard. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 312 pounds, he possesses the size and strength necessary to dominate at the line of scrimmage. His technique and football intelligence have allowed him to maintain a high level of play throughout his career, starting 92 of 101 career games. His ability to stay healthy and perform week in and week out has made him a valuable asset to every team he has joined.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Risner has achieved several notable milestones. Being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft marked his entry into professional football, while earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors validated his immediate impact. His college career was highlighted by First-team All-American recognition and Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year honors in 2018. The transition from the Broncos to the Vikings to the Bengals showcased his ability to adapt and contribute regardless of his surroundings.
Dalton Risner Career Statistics
Across his NFL career spanning from 2019 through the 2025 season, Risner has appeared in 101 games and started 92 of them. His durability and reliability have been consistent hallmarks throughout his professional career, with the majority of his starts coming at the guard position. His ability to remain healthy and perform at a high level has made him one of the more dependable offensive linemen in the league.
NFL Statistics Overview
Risner’s career statistics reflect his consistent contribution at the professional level. With 92 career starts across seven seasons, he has demonstrated the ability to be a Day 1 starter wherever he has played. His time with the Broncos, Vikings, and Bengals has seen him accumulate significant playing time and experience against some of the league’s top defensive players.
Dalton Risner Philanthropy and Personal Life
RisnerUp Foundation
Beyond his football career, Risner is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He created the RisnerUp Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need. Through his foundation, Risner has been able to make a positive impact off the field, extending his influence beyond athletics to help those facing challenges in their daily lives.
Special Olympics Ambassador
Risner also serves as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics International. In this role, he advocates for athletes with intellectual disabilities and supports programs that promote inclusion and opportunity through sports. His involvement with the Special Olympics reflects his values of service, mentorship, and creating pathways for others to experience the transformative power of athletics.
Personal Life
Despite his public profile, Risner maintains a relatively private personal life. He continues to focus on his career and philanthropic endeavors while building connections with the communities he represents. His dedication to both football excellence and community service exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Risner as he joined the Cincinnati Bengals mid-season. His ability to quickly learn a new playbook and integrate into a different offensive system demonstrated his football intelligence and adaptability. Despite joining the team in August, Risner became a consistent starter and provided stability along the Bengals’ offensive line during a critical portion of the season.
His versatility proved particularly valuable as he shifted between right guard and left guard positions based on team needs. This flexibility allowed the Bengals to optimize their offensive line configuration and respond to injuries within the unit. Risner’s professional approach and communication skills facilitated smooth transitions whenever he was called upon to change positions.
Looking ahead, Risner’s extension with the Bengals through March 2026 signals the team’s belief in his continued contributions. At 30 years old, Risner brings experience, leadership, and a proven track record to a young Bengals roster. His combination of durability, technique, and character makes him an important piece of the team’s offensive line moving forward.