“If my wife’s not happy”: Dalton Risner drops major reason behind Bengals return decision

Jul 20, 2026, 11:00 AM CUT

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 28: Cincinnati Bengals guard Dalton Risner 66 walks off the field at halftime during the game against the Arizona Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 28, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 28 Cardinals at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251228161

Dalton Risner had more than football on his mind when he decided to return to the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran guard made it clear that his wife, Whitney, played a major role in the decision.

Risner spoke with Local 12's Yanni Tragellis ahead of training camp and explained how much the city has welcomed her.

“So that's my best friend. I'm different from most people in that, like, if my wife's not happy, I'm not going to be happy,” Risner said. “We can't go out in public without getting a few Who-Deys. And honestly, let's be real, honest, and candid. 90% of the time, people recognize her from social media."

Risner also enjoyed the best season of his career by PFF's grading in 2025. He played 767 snaps at right guard and earned a career-best 69.4 PFF grade, according to Heavy.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 21: Cincinnati Bengals guard Dalton Risner 66 looks on during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings on September 21st, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire NFL: SEP 21 Bengals at Vikings EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250921202

“Whitney really wanted to be here. Whitney was embraced. People support her business, support who she is. She's met a lot of great women here in Cincinnati, and men, and people who support her in our relationship,” Risner said, according to Sports Illustrated.

The 31-year-old re-signed with Cincinnati this spring.

Risner said his life away from football has shaped his decision-making more than money or fame.

“The money and the fame—it comes and goes. It doesn't matter,” he added.

Now, Risner is getting ready for his first Bengals training camp. And it seems Cincinnati gave plenty of reasons to come back.

What could the Bengals be planning before training camp?

The Cincinnati Bengals might not be done making roster moves just yet. Training camp is coming up, and linebacker and cornerback are still two spots worth watching. Cincinnati has some questions at both positions, especially when it comes to depth.

“I do think another move is coming,” The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. said on July 17. “That could be a trade in the Billy Price-B.J. Hill mold, where one of the odd men out on the defensive line fetches a veteran linebacker or corner.”

The Bengals have made a move like this before. The Billy Price-for-B.J. Hill trade ended up being a big win for Cincinnati.

Dehner also brought up the Noah Fant and Dalton Risner signings from last year as examples of the smaller moves the team could make during camp.

At linebacker, Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight have plenty of responsibility ahead of them. Cincinnati also needs to avoid another season with thin depth at the position, according to Bengals Wire.

The Bengals still do have a locker slot starter, with Jalen Davis, Josh Newton and Ja'Sir Taylor competing for the job.

What do you think about Risner's reason for coming back to the Bengals? Let us know your thoughts in our comments!

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi