Joe Burrow Eyes NFL MVP Amidst Challenges

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow have consistently been recognized as the NFL’s ‘Big 4’ for five years. Among these top athletes, Burrow, at 29, aims to secure an NFL MVP trophy, which distinguishes him from his peers.

Burrow was the 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick. In a recent feature on GQ’s ’10 Essentials’ series, he unsurprisingly included a football among his vital items. ‘It has brought me many good fortunes in life,’ he shared. ‘I wouldn’t be here talking with you guys without this football. I can throw it very accurately. Kind of far, not as far as most. I usually keep one in the back of my car, just in case.’

In discussing his ambitions for the upcoming 2026 NFL season, Burrow was candid: ‘I have all the goals for this season. MVP, Super Bowl, win a lot of games, and have fun.’

Burrow once led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI during his sophomore year as starting quarterback, yet they came short against the Los Angeles Rams. The subsequent year, the Bengals reached the AFC Championship Game but were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs. They haven’t reached the playoffs since then. Their challenges partly stem from Burrow’s unfortunate injuries and a consistently weak defense.

In 2023, Burrow faced a setback with a torn ligament in his throwing wrist, causing him to miss seven games due to surgery. He returned to full health in 2024, leading the NFL with 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns. Yet, the Bengals ended the season with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. Last season, Burrow missed nine games due to severe turf toe, contributing to the Bengals’ 6-11 result.

In December last year, Burrow spoke openly about the impact of his injury-laden seasons during a press conference. ‘It certainly doesn’t change my desire to win,’ he stated. ‘If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it. I’ve been through a lot, and if it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for? So that’s the mindset I’m trying to bring to the table.’

During the GQ feature, Burrow seemed in higher spirits, evidently approaching the new season with optimism.