Former Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates said goodbye to fans on Monday.
Roughly a week after agreeing to terms with the Atlanta Falcons on a four-year deal worth roughly $16 million per year, Bates took to Twitter and Instagram with the following message:
The Bengals drafted me in 2018 at 21 years old, making my dream a reality. I’m proud to say we grew together for the better over those years. I made historical memories & bonds with my brothers 🩸& the #WhoDey nation throughout my 5 years. Forever Love!
Bates turned in five quality years for the Bengals in a premium role that gave coaches a ton of scheme flexibility before cashing in on the open market. Even though things went to a holdout and the team drafted his replacement one year early, Bates kept it professional before his departure.
True to his word, Bates even played a role in the Bengals landing a free agent after his departure, too, by talking up the team and locker room.
The @Bengals drafted me in 2018 at 21 years old, making my dream a reality. I’m proud to say we grew together for the better over those years. I made historical memories & bonds with my brothers 🩸& the #WhoDey nation throughout my 5 years. Forever Love!
30 OUT 🖤#JustBelieve pic.twitter.com/7kOwwNzVzW— Jessie Bates III (@jlbiii3) March 20, 2023
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