Bengals player scores a huge win for an even better cause

Karras, who's been the Bengals' starting center since 2022, founded The Cincy Hat the same year he signed with the club. It was originally supposed to be a gift for his teammates, but it's turned into so much more.

When a demand arose for the hats to be sold publicly, Karras took the opportunity to turn those sales into direct donations to the Village of Merici, a nonprofit living community for Adults with disabilities in Karras' hometown of Indianapolis, IN.

Support for Karras and his cause has only grown since he began last year, and Bengals fans didn't let him down this past month. 

"I wanted to give a fun gift to my new teammates when I moved to Cincinnati. The Cincy Hat has taken on a life of its own and become an income stream for the Village of Merici, a nonprofit living community for Adults with disabilities. The Village has a special place in my heart. Please support with a purchase!" - Ted Karras' message via thecincyhat.com

This is the first time any Bengals player has won the challenge since its inception in 2015.

The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award will be announced on February 8. Karras will be up for the honor along with a nominee from each NFL team.