Andy Dalton enlists Internet in #bagsearch2016

CINCINNATI — Add another fumble to Andy Dalton's stat box.

The Bengals’ starting quarterback turned to social media Wednesday in an attempt to alert the world — and enlist their help — after two of his suitcases fell from the bed of a truck while driving along U.S. 75 and Interstate 635 in Dallas, Texas.

In an Instagram post, Dalton said whoever finds the baggage will see a “big reward.” He hashtagged the reward part, so you know he's serious.

 

Thanks for those spreading the word. If you happen to have them, either post a picture of them and tag me in it or dm me with a picture. And trust me...I know this is a long shot. #bagsearch2016 #bigreward

A photo posted by Andy Dalton (@andydalton14) on

Feb 10, 2016 at 8:27am PST

Using the hashtag #bagsearch2016, Dalton hoped to harness the Instagram and Twitter-verse to spread the word. His initial tweet announcing the derelict luggage was retweeted roughly 1,200 times in the first 12 hours.

If anybody in DFW traveling from 75-635 towards the airport finds 2 black suitcases on the road please contact me. Fell out bed of our truck

— Andy Dalton (@andydalton14) February 10, 2016

Nine hours after that, still no bags, but he didn’t lose faith.

Still haven't found the bags but still believing they are out there... #bagsearch2016

— Andy Dalton (@andydalton14) February 10, 2016

We are going to find them. We have enough people raising awareness. #bagsearch2016 https://t.co/ix5pMeZ3hf

— Andy Dalton (@andydalton14) February 10, 2016

In a not-creepy-at-all move, some fans mused about what treasures his bags might contain:

I wouldn't be able to resist a look at the contents...then I would gleefully return them, contents in tact. #bagsearch2016

— Tanya Wilmes (@bengalsgirl1000) February 10, 2016

And while many did their part to help spread the word, others took the opportunity to have a little fun:

@BarstoolBigCat corner of 635&75 is packed. Everyone must still be looking for @andydalton14 's bags #bagsearch2016 pic.twitter.com/hXmFg4Jvd4

— Trae Bobillo (@traebo15) February 11, 2016

Can Johnny Manziel do community service and search the highways for Andy Dalton's bags? #bagsearch2016

— Randy Slack (@Slackamania) February 10, 2016

Jeff Blake never lost his luggage, just sayin. #bagsearch2016

— Randy Slack (@Slackamania) February 10, 2016

Only interception Dallas will get off of @andydalton14 in 2016! #bagsearch2016

— JR Christian (@jchristian9584) February 10, 2016

@andydalton14 pretty sure I found one of them. Hope the pic isn't too embarrassing. #bagsearch2016 pic.twitter.com/DjWnsIKYus

— Pens in '16! (@penguinbill) February 10, 2016

@andydalton14 It could be worse, you could play for the @Browns #bagsearch2016

— Brian (@Brian_Murcko) February 10, 2016

@andydalton14 @MoEgger1530 when Andy looked in the truck bed and it was empty... #bagsearch2016 #FindAndysBagsDallas pic.twitter.com/u3NSdNLwWN

— Cody Tewmey (@codiki) February 10, 2016

And some decided they wouldn’t get distracted by #bagsearch2016, and continued reporting news on Cincinnati’s still-recovering QB, who was injured during the Bengals' Dec. 13 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers:

In between #bagsearch2016 tweets, Andy Dalton says his thumb isn't 100 percent yet, and that he still hasn't thrown https://t.co/moEK3xtkLA

— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) February 10, 2016

But finally, just after the 12-hour mark, a man named Robert finally found his bags:

#bagsearch2016 is officially over! Thankful that Robert found our bags. The power of social media is real! pic.twitter.com/3lzPnef0FL

— Andy Dalton (@andydalton14) February 11, 2016