Quarterback Jon Kitna spent five seasons in Cincinnati, three of them as the team's starting quarterback from 2001-2003. And during those three seasons as the team's starter, he generated over 3,000 yards passing in each season and at least a 62.2 completion percentage in two of those three years. However Kitna's time in Cincinnati is probably most remembered for being a mentor to Carson Palmer from 2003-2005.
Now the former Bengals quarterback is taking on his next challenge in his life, as a head coach and an algebra teacher at Lincoln High School in Washington.
"It's incredible. The right door opened," Kitna said between services Sunday morning at Fielder Road Baptist Church, where he preached and gave a personal testimony.
It was his first public appearance since informing the Cowboys of his decision to retire two weeks ago.
"I am beyond excited," Kitna said. "It was the perfect opportunity. The coach wanted to move into the athletic director's role and called and asked me if I was interested."
Kitna announced his retirement earlier this month, after 16 years in the NFL and the last three seasons as the Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback. In his career Kitna registered 29,745 yards passing, a 60.3 completion percentage and 169 touchdowns.
0 recs | 17 comments
I hope he knows what he's getting into
School politics for football HC’s can be pretty nasty! But seriously, this is giving back to the community in a good way. He could be helping hundreds of young guys better themselves.
No handouts, no welfare, just showing young guys how to get better on their own talents and efforts.
BENGALS69 - January 30, 2012
+1
Tough gig, but he’s still around football, which we all know he loves after 16 seasons. Best of luck Mr. Kitna.
keithster - January 30, 2012
always a class act
palewook - January 30, 2012
Good luck John.
whodeycommish14 - January 30, 2012 via mobile
You can come back and help Mentor Dalton in the offseason if you want to too
Touhue Cha - January 30, 2012
why do most high school football coaches either teach math or history? can anyone figure that one out for me? lol
AMAS85 - January 30, 2012
Math is best
less time grading papers, and more structured teaching methods/curriculum.
keithster - January 30, 2012
lol that makes sense
AMAS85 - January 30, 2012
Or gym lol
Luke - January 30, 2012
I never in my life met a football coach who taught anything but gym
At my highschool…the football coach was a god….he did what ever the hell he wanted…he had assistants to set up the activities….I just get a laugh thinking about some of these football coaches grading a trig paper…..yeah right
ticalcaldwell - January 30, 2012
call me if you have a math question kitna
Bengalsfan024 - January 30, 2012
14+18 =6
Bengalsfan024 - January 30, 2012
+2 = 7
WhoDeyTim - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Good Luck.
One of the best men out there, hands down. He will not only teach those boys how to play football, but also how to be good, respectable, young men.
Ben-GAL - January 30, 2012
Best of luck.........
guy is doing something he loves and giving back to his community by both teaching and coaching. Impressive.
The Van Buren Boys - January 30, 2012
+1
I always liked Kitna…great attitude and patiently waited for his number to be called on every team he was a part of
ticalcaldwell - January 30, 2012
Kitna was
Kitna was Tebow before Tebow.
the-dude - January 30, 2012
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