“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” This famous quote by ‘Batman’ exemplifies the pressure of being a professional athlete. Sports fans are known to be ruthless. One day, they will praise their favorite player. And in the blink of an eye, they’ll make that favorite player part of the many reasons for their team’s slump in performance. Well, with money, comes fame and pressure to perform. But Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow doesn’t give a “sh*t” about fame.

Speaking on the ‘Pardon My Take’ podcast, on 8th July, Burrow was asked a very peculiar question by the host. “Are you getting more comfortable being famous?” Earning a whopping $275 million with the Bengals, the QB’s reply was very interesting. He said, “I am [getting comfortable]. I would say so. It’s difficult sometimes. But, I am starting to, like, not give a sh*t anymore. Which I think is good…” 

This comes a week after he admitted to being a private person in an interview at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. So, it makes sense why he would not care about the attention and feel OK.

Whether an introvert or an extrovert, ‘Who Dey Nation’ doesn’t care if he’s either. They only care about their QB trying to remain healthy throughout the whole season. A feat he has failed to achieve in 2 out of his 4 years here in Cincinnati since getting drafted.

It was 2020 when the Bengals got him first overall, with a promise of a leader from the then-23-year-old Joe. He had built this reputation because of his two seasons at LSU. Especially the second one, 2019, where he led the Tigers to a 15-0 finish and College Football Playoff National Championship. So, it was not a surprise that the Bengals named Burrow as their starting quarterback in his rookie year. And, he made sure to repay this with a record-breaking performance in just his second game. He made 37 completions in that game – the most by a rookie quarterback in his second career start. However, an unfortunate knee injury ended his rookie season, cutting short a promising start to his professional career.

Pressure makes diamonds! And just like that, he completed a remarkable comeback. Burrow’s numbers for the following two years were outstanding. Here’s the stat sheet for all of you to praise his dedication.

In 2021, The Bengals’ No. 9 led them to Super Bowl LVI where they lost to the Los Angeles Rams. But the QB’s numbers after an injury-prone year, earned him the AP Comeback Player of The Year Award. As for the next year, 2022, he managed to remain fit for the whole season and rack up the numbers for everyone to see.

Burrow was beginning to make his presence felt in the NFL. At the same time, he was making the Bengals fans believe in him by showing that he can handle starting quarterback duties. But a calf injury, followed by a wrist injury ended his 2023 season. Much to his dismay, fans did not take it well. Forgetting his two seasons of sheer grit, will, and class.

And now, he has a message for his critics. He believes they are going to chant his name this season.

Joe Burrow is a 120% fit

While most might crumble with the idea of losing popularity and fame, gained by top performances on the gridiron, Joe Burrow’s is of a different breed. On the podcast, the Bengals QB answered, “I believe that,” when he was asked if he thinks people have forgotten about him.

He continued, “That’s what happens when you get hurt, though. You don’t play football, people forget about you. If you’re not out there and people aren’t watching you, then there’s nothing to talk about. I’m going to give people something to talk about this year. I’m excited about it.”

Not just that! Burrow also compared his fitness levels from his last full playing year, 2022. He said that he feels a 120% fit right now if he was 100% two years ago. If it comes out to be true, then the Bengals fans should not shy away from expecting an MVP season from their QB.

We shall see about that. But for now, he should be looking to get the fans on his side. Earn their trust, and the fame – which he doesn’t give a sh*t about.