Joe Burrow Bio
Joseph Lee Burrow is an American professional football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). After three seasons of college football with the Ohio State Buckeyes, he played for the Louisiana State University Tigers, winning the Heisman Trophy and the College Football Playoff National Championship as a senior. Burrow was selected first overall by the Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft and has since established himself as a key player with numerous accolades including multiple Pro Bowl selections and records for passing yards and touchdowns.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Lee Burrow was born on December 10, 1996, in Ames, Iowa, to parents Jim and Robin Burrow. His father, Jim Burrow, is a former football player and coach with a career spanning over 40 years. The Burrow family moved to North Dakota in 2003 when Jim was hired as the defensive coordinator at North Dakota State University. Joe’s early exposure to football came from his family’s strong athletic background, which includes a grandmother who set a state high school record in basketball and an uncle who played football at Ole Miss. Burrow began playing youth football at a young age, initially starting as a quarterback due to a lack of players at that position.
Burrow attended Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio, where he led the football team to three consecutive playoff appearances and the school’s first seven playoff victories. He passed for 11,416 yards and 157 touchdowns while also excelling in basketball, earning first-team all-state honors. Rated as a four-star recruit, he committed to Ohio State University in May 2014.
Path to American Football
After redshirting his first year at Ohio State, Burrow spent two seasons as a backup to J. T. Barrett, playing in ten games and completing 29 of 39 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns. Realizing he would not be the starting quarterback, he transferred to Louisiana State University in May 2018 after graduating from Ohio State. At LSU, Burrow became the starting quarterback in 2018 and had a successful season, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors multiple times.
In 2019, Burrow had a historic season at LSU, leading the Tigers to a national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy. He set numerous records, including the most passing touchdowns in a single season and the highest passer rating. His performance in college football drew significant attention from NFL scouts and solidified his status as a top prospect.
Joe Burrow Career
Early Career (2020)
Burrow was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $36.1 million. In his debut, he threw for 193 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite a challenging rookie season, Burrow set several records, including most completions by a rookie quarterback in a single game.
He finished his rookie year with 2,688 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions, despite the Bengals finishing with a 4-11 record.
Breakthrough (2021)
Burrow’s second season was marked by a remarkable comeback from injury, leading the Bengals to their first playoff win since 1990 and an appearance in Super Bowl LVI. He was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year after finishing the season with 4,611 passing yards and 34 touchdowns, both franchise records. His performance in the playoffs included leading the Bengals to victories over the Las Vegas Raiders and the Tennessee Titans, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance where he threw for 263 yards and a touchdown.
Notable Works and Milestones
Burrow’s signature work includes his historic 2019 season at LSU, where he won the Heisman Trophy and the national championship. In the NFL, he has set multiple franchise records and received accolades such as the Pro Bowl selections and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Joe Burrow Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joe Burrow has received numerous nominations, including for the Heisman Trophy in college and multiple Pro Bowl selections in the NFL.
Joe Burrow Awards Won
Joe Burrow has won several prestigious awards, including the Heisman Trophy in 2019, the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 and 2024, and multiple Pro Bowl selections.
Joe Burrow Family
Joe Burrow is the son of Jim and Robin Burrow. His father has a long history in football as a player and coach, influencing Joe’s path in the sport.
Personal Life
Joe Burrow is known for his calm demeanor on the field, earning him the nicknames “Joe Cool” and “Joe Brrr.” He has expressed his views on social issues, including abortion rights and gun control reforms, showcasing his engagement beyond football. Burrow is also a fan of video games and music, particularly enjoying the Super Smash Bros. series and the music of Kid Cudi.
