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 American football quarterback currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. He achieved significant success in college, playing for both Ohio State and LSU. During his senior year at LSU, he won the Heisman Trophy and led the team to a College Football Playoff National Championship. His outstanding college performance led to him being drafted first overall by the Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft.

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 them to another appearance.

1990: Bengals' Playoff Win Drought

In 1990, the Bengals' playoff win drought began and was finally broken in Burrow's playoff debut.

2001: Surpassed the LSU record for single-season passing yards

During the game against Ole Miss, Joe Burrow surpassed the LSU record for single-season passing yards set by Rohan Davey in 2001.

2011: Attended Athens High School

From 2011, Joe Burrow attended Athens High School where he led the team to three straight playoff appearances and the school's first seven playoff victories.

May 27, 2014: Committed to Ohio State

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

2015: Bengals first winning record since 2015

Against the Baltimore Ravens, Burrow helped the Bengals clinch their first winning record since the 2015 season.

2015: Bengals Clinched AFC North for first time since 2015

Against the Kansas City Chiefs, The win helped the Bengals clinch the AFC North and a playoff berth for the first time since 2015.

2015: Redshirted First Year at Ohio State

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

2015: Ranked as a Recruit

In 2015, Joe Burrow was rated as a four-star football recruit, and was the eighth-highest ranked dual-threat quarterback in the class.

May 18, 2018: Transferred to LSU

On May 18, 2018, Joe Burrow transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) after realizing he wouldn't be the starting quarterback at Ohio State. He had graduated from Ohio State with a degree in consumer and family financial services.

2018: Named LSU Starting Quarterback

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

December 14, 2019: Won the 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 $450,000 in donations to the Athens County food bank.

2019: Record-Breaking Peach Bowl Performance

During LSU's College Football Playoff semifinal game against Oklahoma in the 2019 Peach Bowl, Joe Burrow threw for seven touchdowns in the first half and had a total of 493 passing yards, along with a rushing touchdown, resulting in a 63–28 victory.

2019: Named LSU Starting Quarterback

In 2019, Joe Burrow was named LSU's starting quarterback heading into his redshirt senior season and earned multiple SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

2019: Record-Breaking 2019 Season

Joe Burrow finished his 2019 season with 60 passing touchdowns, breaking the single-season FBS record. He also set an FBS single-season record with 65 total touchdowns. His passer rating of 202 for the season was a record at the time.

2019: Burrow's 2019 Season Draws Attention

Joe Burrow's 2019 season helped draw more attention to scouts to reconsider their evaluation of him.

July 31, 2020: Signed Rookie Contract with Bengals

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

2020: Finished Rookie Season

In 2020, Joe Burrow finished his rookie season with 264 completions for 2,688 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. His interception percentage was the fourth lowest for a rookie in NFL history. The Bengals finished with a 4-11 record.

2020: Drafted into the NFL

In 2020, Joe Burrow was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL draft after a successful college football career.

2020: Bengals select Burrow as top pick

In 2020, The Bengals selected Joe Burrow as the top pick in the NFL draft due to his football IQ, accuracy, pocket mobility, and playmaking ability.

2020: Won National Championship and Named Offensive MVP

In the 2020 National Championship Game against Clemson, Joe Burrow led LSU to a 42–25 victory, throwing for 463 yards with six total touchdowns, and was named the game's offensive MVP.

2021: Called his own plays during the 2021 Divisional Round game

As a Bengal, Burrow was noted to have successfully called his own plays during the 2021 Divisional Round game against Tennessee.

2021: Breakout Season and Comeback Player of the Year

In 2021, Burrow led the Bengals to their first playoff win since 1990 and a Super Bowl LVI appearance, earning him Comeback Player of the Year.

June 2022: Spoke Out on Abortion Rights

In June 2022, Joe Burrow spoke out on Instagram in favor of abortion rights in the United States.

2022: NFL Playoffs and AFC Championship Appearance

In 2022, Joe Burrow led the Bengals to the NFL playoffs and an AFC Championship appearance.

September 7, 2023: Signed Record-Breaking Contract Extension

On September 7, 2023, Joe Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension, becoming the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time.

2023: Largest NFL Contract

In 2023, Burrow signed the largest contract in NFL history at the time in terms of annual salary and led the Bengals to their first consecutive division title.

2024: Passing Leader and Comeback Player of the Year

Despite the Bengals missing the playoffs in 2024, Burrow led the league in passing yards and touchdowns and won his second Comeback Player of the Year Award.

2024: First Win of the Season

In 2024, Joe Burrow and the Bengals won their first game of the season against the Carolina Panthers after an uncharacteristic pregame speech from Burrow.