Joseph Lee Burrow, born December 10, 1996, in Ames, Iowa, is an American football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). Burrow's journey to the NFL was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Heisman Trophy in 2019 and being the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. His college football career at Ohio State and LSU set the stage for his professional success.
First Laurels: Youth & Amateur Honours
Joe Burrow's early football career
began at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and basketball. He threw for 11,416 yards and 157 touchdowns, earning the Ohio Mr. Football Award in 2014 as the best high school football player in the state. Burrow was rated as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, ranking among the top 300 players of his class.
Campus to Proving Ground: Collegiate/Amateur Elite
Burrow started his college career at Ohio State University, where he played as a backup quarterback. In 2018, he transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) and became the starting quarterback. During his time at LSU, Burrow set numerous records, including the Southeastern Conference record for passing yards in a season. In 2019, he led LSU to a national championship victory over Clemson, earning the title of Offensive MVP in the Fiesta Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Pro Crowns: Team Championships & Finals
In the NFL, Burrow was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite a promising start, his rookie season was cut short due to a knee injury. In 2021, Burrow led the Bengals to their first playoff victory in 31 years and an appearance in Super Bowl LVI. His performance throughout the season earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
The Mantelpiece: Individual Awards & Season Honours
Joe Burrow's individual accolades include being named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week multiple times and setting franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns with the Bengals. In 2022, he was selected for his first Pro Bowl and finished fourth in the NFL MVP voting. Burrow's career continues to be defined by his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, solidifying his status as one of the league's top quarterbacks.
