Career Timeline of Joe Burrow: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Joe Burrow built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Joe Burrow is a professional football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at Ohio State before transferring to LSU, where he won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship. Burrow was drafted first overall by the Bengals in 2020 and is considered a key player for the team. He is known for his leadership and passing abilities.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1988: Bengals Last Super Bowl Appearance

In 1988, the Bengals last appeared in the Super Bowl, before Joe Burrow led the team to Super Bowl LVI in 2022.

1990: Bengals Playoff Win Drought

In 1990, the Bengals' playoff win drought began, which ended when Joe Burrow led the team to a win against the Las Vegas Raiders in the Wild Card Round of the 2021-2022 playoffs.

2006: Largest Comeback in a Conference Championship

In 2006, the Indianapolis Colts tied the record for the largest comeback in a conference championship, coming back from 18 points down. Joe Burrow and the Bengals would match this record in the 2022 AFC Championship game against the Chiefs.

May 27, 2014: Committed to Ohio State

On May 27, 2014, Joe Burrow committed to play football at Ohio State University.

2015: Redshirted First Year at Ohio State

In 2015, Joe Burrow redshirted his first year at Ohio State University.

2015: Rated as a Four-Star Football Recruit

In 2015, Joe Burrow was rated as a four-star football recruit.

2015: Bengals Last Best Record

Since 2015, the Bengals achieved their best record, until the 2022 season where they went 12-4.

May 18, 2018: Transferred to LSU

On May 18, 2018, Joe Burrow transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) after graduating from Ohio State.

2018: Named Starting Quarterback at LSU

In 2018, Joe Burrow was named the starting quarterback at LSU as a redshirt junior.

December 14, 2019: Awarded the 2019 Heisman Trophy

On December 14, 2019, Joe Burrow was awarded the 2019 Heisman Trophy. His acceptance speech highlighted poverty and food insecurity in his hometown, leading to significant donations to the Athens County food bank.

2019: Named LSU's Starting Quarterback

In 2019, Joe Burrow was again named LSU's starting quarterback.

2019: Improved Scouting and Draft Attention

Joe Burrow's 2019 season was cited as helping draw more attention from scouts to reconsider their evaluation of him.

July 31, 2020: Signed Rookie Contract with Bengals

On July 31, 2020, Joe Burrow signed a four-year rookie contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, worth $36.1 million.

2020: Led LSU to National Championship Victory

In 2020, Joe Burrow led LSU to a 42-25 victory in the National Championship Game against Clemson, earning the game's offensive MVP title.

2020: Drafted into the NFL

In 2020, Joe Burrow was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL draft.

2021: Calling Own Plays

During the 2021 Divisional Round game against Tennessee, Joe Burrow successfully called his own plays.

2021: Led Bengals to Playoff Win and Super Bowl Appearance

In 2021, Joe Burrow led the Bengals to their first playoff win since 1990 and an appearance in Super Bowl LVI. He was also awarded Comeback Player of the Year.

June 2022: Advocacy for Abortion Rights

In June 2022, Joe Burrow spoke out on Instagram in favor of abortion rights in the United States following the Roe v. Wade overturn.

2022: Second Consecutive AFC Championship Appearance

In the 2022-2023 NFL playoffs, Joe Burrow led the Bengals to their second consecutive AFC Championship appearance, ultimately losing to the Chiefs.

January 2023: Farm Investment

In January 2023, Joe Burrow was among a coalition of athletes who purchased a 104-acre north Iowa farm with plans to further acquire a diverse set of agricultural assets.

September 7, 2023: Contract Extension

On September 7, 2023, Joe Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension with the Bengals, becoming the highest-paid player in NFL history on an annual basis.

2023: Signed Largest NFL Contract and Led Bengals to Division Title

In 2023, Joe Burrow signed what was then the largest contract in NFL history and led the Bengals to their first consecutive division title in franchise history.

2024: Career-Best Season and Comeback Player of the Year Award

In 2024, Joe Burrow finished the season with a career-best 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, leading the NFL in both statistics. He also won the Comeback Player of the Year Award for the second time.

2024: First Win of the Season

In 2024, before the Week 4 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Joe Burrow delivered a pregame speech that resonated with the team, leading to their first win of the season.

2024: Led League in Passing Despite Missing Playoffs

In 2024, despite the Cincinnati Bengals missing the playoffs, Joe Burrow led the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns and was awarded his second Comeback Player of the Year Award.