Exclusive: Ted Karras Leaving Lasting Impact Both On and Off the Field

The veteran center has quickly become a star in Cincinnati.

CINCINNATI — Ted Karras sat down in the visitor's locker room at Paycor Stadium. He set up his own mic pack and was ready to go. 

The 30-year-old does plenty of interviews these days, usually wearing a "Cincy Hat" and a giant smile.

When the Bengals signed Karras less than 18 months ago, they were hoping he would bring stability to the center position. They've gotten that and much more from the Indianapolis native. 

Karras' impact—both on and off the field—cannot be overstated. 

His teammates made him a captain in his first year with the team. Karras is a captain again this season. He's the first offensive lineman since Andrew Whitworth to be a captain in back-to-back seasons.

"Consistency. He is always on edge about the scheme, about the game plan, about communicating with everybody," head coach Zac Taylor said. "Always locked in. I think if you were looking for two words to describe Ted Karras it would be locked in, super focused. That’s good to have from your center."

Karras knows how much talent the 2023 Bengals have on their roster. He also knows what it takes to win a championship. Don't expect him to make any bold claims, even if this is clearly the most talented offensive line they've had in years. 

"We need to go prove it," Karras said. "It's not a simulation. Each man can only play one position. You gotta go out and be psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally ready to play a football game and that's a big deal."

Karras sat down with me for more than half an hour following a long, hot day of practice. It was his first of two post-practice interviews. The second of which, was a public event at the Freestore Foodbank. 

As valuable as he's been on the field and in the locker room, Karras' impact away from football has been just as significant. 

The Cincy Hat

Before primetime games, following big wins, after ugly losses—regardless of the result, Karras is always willing to talk with the media. Part of that has to do with a mission that started organically. It's become much bigger than he could've imagined. 

Karras co-created "The Cincy Hat." 

A simple hat that he gave to a few of his teammates has taken Cincinnati by storm.

Once he learned that fans had interest in the hats, he decided to sell them and donate all of the proceeds to the Village of Merici—an organization that provides residential and community opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. 

"It's the only place in the midwest that allows for an independent lifestyle among these adults," Karras said. "Their mission is to create independence among these individuals."

The Cincy Hat project is closing in on $1 million raised for the Indianapolis-based organization. They're about to hit that mark in roughly 10 months. 

"I thank Cincinnati so much," Karras said. "The support has been unbelievable."

How has Karras been able to sell so many hats? With the help of his childhood best friend Matt Renie. 

From promoting, to designing and shipping—Matt does it all behind the scenes. 

"Cincy Hat Matt," Karras declared. "Matt is the CEO of the Cincy Hat. He's been my best friend since the eighth grade."

Their donations to the Village of Merici helped build an apartment for 30 residents. They broke ground on another apartment earlier this summer. 

Karras brushes it off when people give him credit, but it's well deserved. He's the one willing to sit down with reporters for 1-on-1 interviews. He's the one willing to chat "anytime" to discuss football, family and The Cincy Hat project. 

They have 25+ designs, including T-shirts, polos, visors, onesies and of course, hats. 

The Cincy Hat has Taken Cincinnati by Storm / Photo: Matt Renie, TheCincyHat.com

The Cincy Hat project is also going to have a major impact in the Greater Cincinnati area. 

Karras is in the process of partnering with the Ken Anderson Alliance with hopes of bringing an independent living facility to Cincinnati that will help adults with disabilities. 

It's an obvious next step in a project that has exceeded everyone's expectations. 

"We're kind of merging our two causes," Karras said. "The Ken Anderson Alliance has the same mission has the Village of Merici and this is going to benefit bringing a Merici-style building and living community here to Cincinnati."

Goals This Season

Karras may have won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, but he knows what winning ring No. 3 would do for the City of Cincinnati. 

"It would mean the world," Karras said. "Someone's gonna do it. I want it to be us."

The Bengals know they have the talent to win a championship this season. Despite the hype and a realistic chance to win a title, Karras is laser focused on smaller goals. 

How can he improve? What little things can the offensive line do to make Burrow's life easier? 

"I'd like to run the ball a little bit better than we did last year," he said. "Just be more efficient. Obviously, we know we want the ball in [No.] 9's hands, but we want to stay ahead of the sticks, run the ball a little bit better, start getting over 100 yards rushing a game."

Karras has two of the four Super Bowl rings in the Bengals' offensive line room. Orlando Brown Jr. and Alex Cappa have the others. 

Their end goal for the 2023 season is simple, but the path to a championship is challenging. The journey starts on Sunday in Cleveland. 

Watch my entire conversation with Karras below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

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