Welcome Home: cincinnati bengals football 4-star QB joe burrow to ohio state

Welcome Home: Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow to Ohio State

In the world of college football, few stories are as captivating as that of Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star quarterback. From a promising recruit at Ohio State to the national championship winner at LSU, Burrow’s journey has been one of resilience, determination, and ultimate triumph. And now, with his return to Ohio, where he was once a highly rated quarterback prospect, it’s fitting to look back at how Burrow’s connection to the Buckeyes and his rise to NFL stardom has impacted not only the state of Ohio but also the Cincinnati Bengals.

Early Years at Ohio State: A Highly Rated Prospect

Joe Burrow’s story in Ohio began in Athens, Ohio, where he was born into a football family. His father, Jimmy Burrow, was a former NFL player and a long-time coach, which gave Joe a strong foundation in the sport. Burrow’s talent as a quarterback was evident early in his high school career, leading him to a four-star ranking and a scholarship to Ohio State University.

At Ohio State, Burrow entered an already crowded quarterback room, competing against future stars such as J.T. Barrett, who had led the Buckeyes to a national title. Despite his impressive high school resume, Burrow found it difficult to secure the starting role at Ohio State. His first few years were marked by a backup role, where he showed flashes of his immense talent but was unable to unseat Barrett as the starter. Despite the frustration of being relegated to a backup, Burrow handled the situation with maturity and resilience. However, after the 2017 season, Burrow made a life-changing decision: he would transfer to LSU, where he would have a chance to start and prove himself on the national stage.

The LSU Breakthrough: Burrow’s National Championship Journey

Burrow’s decision to leave Ohio State and head to LSU was not easy, especially given the high expectations placed on him as a four-star prospect. However, his transfer to Baton Rouge would become one of the best decisions of his career. In his first season as the starting quarterback for LSU, Burrow struggled a bit in the transition, but by his second year, the results were spectacular. Burrow shattered school and SEC records, leading LSU to an undefeated season and the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship.

The LSU Tigers, with Burrow at the helm, became one of the most unstoppable forces in college football history. His performance in the national championship game against Clemson was a fitting end to his college career, where he threw for over 460 yards and accounted for six total touchdowns. Burrow’s leadership, poise, and precision earned him the 2019 Heisman Trophy, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history.

The NFL: Burrow’s Impact with the Cincinnati Bengals

After being selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft, Joe Burrow’s professional journey began. As a rookie, Burrow displayed flashes of brilliance despite the Bengals’ struggles. His leadership on and off the field, coupled with his precision passing, quickly earned him respect in the NFL. In his second season, Burrow helped lead the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in over 30 years, a testament to his talent and tenacity. Though the Bengals fell short, it was clear that Burrow had ushered in a new era of football in Cincinnati.

Coming Home to Ohio: A Full-Circle Moment

As Burrow continues to make his mark in the NFL, the connection to Ohio remains strong. Despite his success in Baton Rouge and his rise to NFL stardom, Burrow’s ties to Ohio State remain significant. For fans in Ohio, there’s a unique pride in knowing that the state produced one of the most promising quarterbacks in recent memory. And though he may have left Ohio State for LSU, Burrow’s return to the state, now as a professional NFL quarterback, symbolizes a full-circle moment in the eyes of Buckeye Nation and Bengals fans alike.

As Burrow continues to lead the Cincinnati Bengals with the same poise and leadership that defined his college career, it’s evident that his legacy in Ohio is just beginning. Whether as the quarterback who helped bring a championship to LSU or the one who has turned the Bengals into contenders, Joe Burrow’s story is one of grit, determination, and success, rooted deeply in the heart of Ohio. His return to Cincinnati is not just the return of a football star, but of a local hero who has made Ohio proud at every level of the game.