Joe Burrow’s Resilience Shines Through Adversity as He Claims Second Comeback Award
Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, has solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s elite passers. However, his journey has not been without significant hurdles. Since his illustrious tenure at LSU, where he captured the Heisman Trophy and led the Tigers to a national championship in 2020, Burrow has faced a series of injuries that have tested his mettle.
Despite these challenges, Burrow has consistently emerged stronger, even leading the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021. His story is one of resilience, as he navigates the physical toll of professional football while continuing to shine on the field.
A History of Injuries
Burrow’s injury saga began long before his NFL career.
Wrist Fracture, August 2017, Ohio State
During his redshirt sophomore season at Ohio State, Burrow suffered a wrist fracture during practice. This injury sidelined him at the start of the season, relegating him to backup status behind J.T. Barrett after undergoing surgery to repair the fracture.
Torn Rib Cartilage, January 2020, LSU
As a senior at LSU, Burrow faced a torn rib cartilage injury in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Clemson. Despite the pain, he delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 463 yards and five touchdowns, leading LSU to victory without missing any game time.
Torn ACL, PCL, MCL, and Meniscus, November 2020, Bengals
Burrow’s first major injury in the NFL occurred during his rookie season. In Week 11, he sustained multiple ligament tears in his knee after being hit by defenders. Following surgery in December, he made a triumphant return for the start of the 2021 season, earning the Comeback Player of the Year award after a remarkable season with 34 touchdown passes.
Dislocated Finger, December 2021, Bengals
After a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Burrow revealed he had dislocated his pinkie finger during a sack. Remarkably, this did not hinder his performance, as he threw for 348 yards in the subsequent match.
MCL Sprain, February 2022, Bengals
In the Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams, Burrow suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain after being sacked by Von Miller. Although he finished the game, he recovered sufficiently to avoid missing any time in the following season.
Calf Strain, July 2023, Bengals
Burrow encountered a minor setback in July 2023 with a calf strain sustained during practice. Initial concerns were alleviated as he did not miss any time and returned to practice shortly after.
Torn Wrist Ligament, November 2023, Bengals
In a pivotal moment during the 2023 season, Burrow suffered a torn wrist ligament in his throwing hand against the Baltimore Ravens. Feeling a “pop” after throwing a touchdown, he was forced to miss the remainder of the season, casting doubt on his future.
A Triumphant Return
Despite the obstacles, Burrow made a remarkable comeback in 2024, showcasing his prowess by throwing for an impressive 43 touchdown passes. This resurgence earned him his second Comeback Player of the Year award, further solidifying his status as a resilient competitor in the league.
Burrow’s journey is a testament to his dedication and determination, reflecting the spirit of a player who refuses to be defined by his injuries. As he continues to navigate the highs and lows of professional football, fans can expect to see more of Burrow’s brilliance on the field in the seasons to come.
