Joe Burrow Reflects on Ohio State Experience Before NFL Stardom

Before achieving NFL stardom and winning a National Championship with LSU, Joe Burrow faced challenges as a backup quarterback at Ohio State. During his time in Columbus, Burrow accumulated less than 300 passing yards and only two touchdowns, primarily sitting behind starter J.T. Barrett. With Dwayne Haskins poised to take over as the starting quarterback for the 2018 season, Burrow recognized the need to seek opportunities elsewhere, stating, "I didn't come here to sit on the bench for four years." In a recent episode of The Pivot podcast, Burrow opened up about his struggles at Ohio State, expressing doubts about his abilities despite his hard work in practice and the weight room. He recalled questioning whether he had a "warped sense" of his skills, feeling overlooked and underappreciated during his three and a half years with the Buckeyes. Burrow's confidence in his preparation and growth was not mirrored by the coaching staff, leading to a challenging period of self-reflection. Ultimately, Burrow's decision to transfer to LSU proved pivotal, as he went on to become a standout player, culminating in a historic season that earned him the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship. Now, as the quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, Burrow enjoys widespread recognition and support, recently securing a five-year, $275 million contract extension, affirming his status as one of the league's elite players.