The Rise of Joe Burrow in 15 Career-Defining Photos

Joe Burrow’s rise has been steady, deliberate, and driven by results. These 15 carefully chosen photos show moments that shaped him — from his early days at Athens High to LSU dominance to leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl. Each image is tied to a specific, verifiable point in his career that reflects not hype, but performance.

1. Athens High School, 2014 – State Championship Run

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Joe Burrow led Athens High School to the Division III state championship game during his senior season. He threw for over 4,400 yards and 63 touchdowns that year. A widely circulated photo shows him mid-play in his green-and-gold No. 10 jersey, running the offense with full command. It marked the beginning of his reputation as a calm, efficient, and accurate quarterback.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes, 2017 – Spring Game Sideline

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Burrow was stuck behind J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins on the depth chart at Ohio State. A sideline photo during the 2017 Spring Game shows him in uniform, helmet off, watching from the bench. Despite performing well in practices and scrimmages, he saw limited game action. This stage of his career was defined by patience and quiet frustration.

3. LSU Debut vs. Miami, September 2, 2018

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In his first game as LSU’s starting quarterback, Burrow managed the offense to a 33-17 win over No. 8 Miami. A photo from that night shows him in full purple and gold, walking onto the field at AT&T Stadium. He didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he looked composed under pressure. It was a strong start that gave LSU fans hope.

4. LSU vs. Auburn, October 26, 2019 – Toughness in the Pocket

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Burrow was hit repeatedly but stood firm and threw for 321 yards and a touchdown against Auburn’s top-ranked defense. One notable image shows him delivering a deep pass while getting drilled by a defender. He never flinched. That game cemented his toughness and leadership under physical pressure.

5. LSU vs. Alabama, 2019 – Breakthrough Win

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Burrow threw for 393 yards and three touchdowns in a 46-41 win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa. A post-touchdown photo shows him with his arms raised while the crowd roared around him. It was LSU’s first win over Alabama in eight years. That game made him the clear Heisman frontrunner.

6. SEC Championship Game vs. Georgia, 2019

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Burrow passed for 349 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-10 win to claim the SEC title. A standout image shows him evading pressure, rolling out, and completing a pass across his body. He showed total command of the offense. The win locked LSU into the College Football Playoff.

7. Heisman Trophy Ceremony, 2019

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Burrow gave an emotional speech while accepting the Heisman Trophy in New York. The widely shared photo shows him standing behind the podium in a black suit, holding the trophy with both hands. He earned the highest percentage of first-place votes in Heisman history. That moment recognized both his season and his story.

8. College Football Playoff National Championship, January 13, 2020

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Burrow threw five touchdowns and ran for another in LSU’s 42-25 win over Clemson. A postgame image shows him walking through confetti, cigar in mouth, championship hat on. He finished with 60 passing touchdowns for the season — a new NCAA record. It was one of the greatest seasons ever by a college quarterback.

9. 2020 NFL Draft – First Overall Pick

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Burrow was selected No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the virtual NFL Draft. A photo from his living room shows him seated next to his parents, in a plain white shirt, as the pick was announced. It wasn’t flashy, but it was real. He was now the face of a rebuilding franchise.

10. First NFL Touchdown, September 17, 2020

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In just his second pro game, Burrow scored his first NFL touchdown on a designed quarterback draw against the Browns. A shot captures him diving across the goal line while getting hit. It was a gritty, physical play that fit his style. The Bengals lost, but Burrow showed promise.

11. ACL Injury vs. Washington, November 22, 2020

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While stepping up in the pocket, Burrow took a low hit and tore his ACL and MCL. A heartbreaking photo shows him lying on the turf, grimacing, as trainers rushed over. His rookie season ended on that play. Recovery became his new job.

12. Return Game vs. Vikings, 2021

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In Week 1 of the 2021 season, Burrow returned from injury and threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns in an overtime win. A photo shows him mid-throw, with a visible knee brace. He was accurate, poised, and confident. The comeback was complete.

13. AFC Championship Win vs. Kansas City, January 30, 2022

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Burrow led the Bengals to a comeback win in Arrowhead Stadium to reach the Super Bowl. A viral photo shows him celebrating on the field, helmet off, smiling as confetti falls. He threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. It was Cincinnati’s first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years.

14. Super Bowl LVI vs. Los Angeles Rams, February 13, 2022

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Burrow was sacked seven times and came up just short in a 23-20 loss. A photo from the final moments shows him walking off the field, helmet in hand, disappointed but composed. He finished with 263 yards and a touchdown. It was a tough ending to a breakout season.

15. 2023 Season Opener – Franchise Leader

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Burrow entered the 2023 season after signing a record-breaking contract extension. A tunnel photo shows him in a crisp white Bengals uniform, walking onto the field with the team behind him. He was now the highest-paid player in NFL history. The expectations were different, but he looked ready.

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