Joe Burrow’s High Hopes for the Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals surprised everyone in 2021 by not only reaching the playoffs but also advancing to the Super Bowl. Despite showing promise, they have failed to reach the Super Bowl in the subsequent seasons and have missed the playoffs for the last three years.

This offseason, the Bengals prioritized strengthening their defense and offensive line to help Joe Burrow lead the team to success once more. Burrow has expressed optimism about the improvements, stating that the current roster is the best he’s seen, and he believes 2026 could be their breakthrough year.

“I’ve never understood why people are scared to say it,” Burrow remarked in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “Setting expectations is crucial for yourself, your teammates, your organization. Everyone talks about winning the Super Bowl; it’s part of everyday motivation and effort. If you don’t talk about it, I don’t see how you can achieve it.”

From his days at Athens High School in Ohio to Ohio State, LSU, and now Cincinnati, Burrow has a track record of success. His Heisman-winning year in 2019 with LSU is considered one of the finest seasons in college football. Despite his efforts leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl in his second NFL year, Burrow continues to push for more achievements as he approaches his seventh year, turning 30 in December.

Burrow has made three Pro Bowls, won two Comeback Player of the Year awards, and remains one of the top quarterbacks in the league. He is striving for his team to meet the championship expectations, and he is candid about these ambitious goals.