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Joe Burrow
refer to caption
Burrow in 2022
No. 9 – Cincinnati Bengals
Position: Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1996-12-10) December 10, 1996 (age 28)
Ames, Iowa, U.S.
Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight: 215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school: Athens (The Plains, Ohio)
College:
NFL Draft: 2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1
Career history
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
  • 2× NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2021, 2024)
  • Pro Bowl (2022, 2024)
  • NFL passing yards leader (2024)
  • NFL passing touchdowns leader (2024)
  • NFL completion percentage leader (2021)
  • CFP national champion (2019)
  • CFP National Championship Game Offensive MVP (2019)
  • Heisman Trophy (2019)
  • Maxwell Award (2019)
  • Walter Camp Award (2019)
  • Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2019)
  • Davey O'Brien Award (2019)
  • Manning Award (2019)
  • Lombardi Award (2019)
  • AP College Football Player of the Year (2019)
  • Sporting News College Football Player of the Year (2019)
  • Unanimous All-American (2019)
  • SEC Male Athlete of the Year (2020)
  • SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2019)
  • First-team All-SEC (2019)
NFL records
  • Career completion percentage: 68.6%
  • Pass completions per game (career): 25.3
NCAA (FBS) records
  • Offensive yards in a season: 6,055
  • Touchdowns responsible for in a season: 65 (tied)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024
Passing attempts: 2,547
Passing completions: 1,748
Completion percentage: 68.6%
TDINT: 140–46
Passing yards: 19,001
Passer rating: 101.2
Player stats at PFR

Joseph Lee Burrow (born December 10, 1996) is a star football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). Before turning pro, he played college football for Ohio State and then Louisiana State University (LSU). At LSU, he had an amazing senior year, winning the Heisman Trophy and a national championship. The Bengals chose him as the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Burrow quickly became a top player in the NFL. In 2021, he led the Bengals to their first playoff win in over 30 years and took them all the way to Super Bowl LVI. For his incredible return from a serious injury, he was named the Comeback Player of the Year. In 2023, he signed a huge contract that made him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time. After another injury, he came back strong in 2024, leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns and winning his second Comeback Player of the Year award.

Because he stays so calm during intense moments, fans and players call him "Joe Cool" and "Joe Brrr."

Early Life and High School

Joe Burrow was born in Ames, Iowa, on December 10, 1996. His parents are Robin and Jim Burrow. His dad, Jim, was a football player and coach for over 40 years. Sports run in the Burrow family. His grandmother was a record-setting high school basketball player. His grandfather, uncle, and two older brothers all played college sports too.

The Burrow family moved several times for his dad's coaching job. They lived in Nebraska, North Dakota, and finally settled in Athens, Ohio. Joe started playing youth football as a quarterback because no one else on his first team could play the position.

At Athens High School, Burrow was a superstar. He led his team to its first-ever playoff victories. In his high school career, he threw for over 11,000 yards and 157 touchdowns. He also rushed for over 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. In his senior year, he was named Ohio's Mr. Football. He was also a great basketball player.

College Career

Ohio State University

Burrow started his college career at Ohio State. He was a backup quarterback for two years behind J. T. Barrett. He played in 10 games but didn't get much playing time.

Realizing he wouldn't be the starting quarterback, Burrow decided to transfer. He had already earned his degree in three years. This meant he could play for another school right away. In 2018, he moved to Louisiana State University (LSU).

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Joe Burrow (SELU vs LSU, September 8, 2018)
Burrow playing for LSU in 2018.

At LSU, Burrow became the starting quarterback. In his first season in 2018, he led the Tigers to a 10–3 record. They finished the season ranked No. 6 in the country.

His second season at LSU in 2019 was one of the greatest in college football history. Burrow and the Tigers went undefeated, with a perfect 15–0 record. He broke many school and conference records. He threw for 5,671 yards and a record-breaking 60 touchdowns that season.

2020-0113-OrgeronBurrowQueen
Burrow (center) with LSU coach Ed Orgeron (left) and teammate Patrick Queen (right) after winning the championship.

LSU won the SEC Championship and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff. In the semifinal game against Oklahoma, Burrow threw for seven touchdowns in the first half alone. LSU then defeated Clemson in the National Championship Game. Burrow was named the game's MVP.

For his incredible season, Burrow won the Heisman Trophy, which is given to the best player in college football. He won by the largest margin in the award's history.

Professional Career

2020: Rookie Season and Injury

Joe Burrow Bengals
Burrow during his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020.

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Burrow with the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He made an immediate impact. In his second game, he threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns. He became the first rookie quarterback to throw for 300 or more yards in three straight games.

Sadly, his rookie season was cut short. In Week 11, he suffered a major injury to his left knee. He tore his ACL and MCL. The injury required surgery and ended his season.

2021: Super Bowl Run

Ravens vs Bengals OCT2021 (cropped)
Burrow playing against the Baltimore Ravens in October 2021.

Burrow worked hard to recover and returned as the starter for the 2021 season. He had a fantastic year, leading the Bengals to a winning record and the AFC North division title. He set franchise records for passing yards (4,611) and touchdowns (34) in a season.

In a game against the Baltimore Ravens, he threw for a career-high 525 yards. This was the fourth-most passing yards in a single game in NFL history. For his amazing comeback, he was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

In the playoffs, Burrow led the Bengals to their first playoff win since 1990. They went on to win the AFC Championship and reach Super Bowl LVI. Although they lost to the Los Angeles Rams, it was a historic season for the team.

2022: Another Strong Season

Joe Burrow pre-snap (50677793701) (1)
Burrow leading the Bengals offense.

In 2022, Burrow continued to play at a high level. He led the Bengals to a 12–4 record and their second straight division title. This was the first time in franchise history they won the division two years in a row.

He was selected for the Pro Bowl for the first time. The Bengals made it back to the AFC Championship Game but lost a close game to the Kansas City Chiefs.

2023: Contract Extension and Injury

Before the 2023 season, Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension. This made him the highest-paid player in NFL history based on average yearly salary.

Unfortunately, his season was again ended by an injury. In Week 11, he tore a ligament in his right wrist and needed surgery. He missed the rest of the season.

2024: Record-Breaking Return

Burrow returned from his wrist surgery ready for the 2024 season. After a slow start, he began playing some of the best football of his career. He led the Bengals on a five-game winning streak to end the season.

He finished the year with career-highs in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43). He led the entire NFL in both categories. For his incredible performance, he won his second NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. He also earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl.

What Makes Joe Burrow a Great Player?

Burrow and Bernard
Burrow passes to running back Giovani Bernard in 2020.

Coaches and players praise Burrow for his high football IQ. This means he is very smart and understands the game at a deep level. He can quickly read what the other team's defense is doing and make the right play. He even helps coaches create the game plan.

Burrow is also known for his amazing accuracy. He can throw the ball exactly where it needs to go, even when he is on the run. He is also great at moving around in the pocket (the area behind the offensive line) to avoid being tackled.

Finally, Burrow is a great leader with a calm and confident attitude. His teammates respect him, and he never seems nervous in big moments. This cool personality has earned him the nicknames "Joe Cool" and "Joe Brrr."

Personal Life

Burrow is known for being smart with his money. After signing his first NFL contract, he said he planned to live off money from endorsements and save his salary.

He is a fan of the video game series Super Smash Bros. and often plays it with teammates on the way to games. He also enjoys listening to music by Kid Cudi before games.

Burrow has also used his fame to speak about important social issues. He has shown support for women's rights and has spoken in favor of stricter gun safety laws.

See also

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