Joe Burrow Aims for NFL MVP Spotlight

Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow have dominated discussions as the NFL’s ‘Big 4’ quarterbacks over the last five years. However, among them, Burrow is the only one yet to win an NFL MVP award. At 29, he is determined to secure that accolade in the coming season.

In 2020, Burrow was the top pick in the NFL Draft. Recently, he appeared on GQ’s ’10 Essentials’ series, highlighting a football as one of his indispensable items. He stated, “It has brought me many good fortunes in life. 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.”

When asked about his ambitions for the 2026 NFL season, Burrow clearly outlined his goals: “MVP, Super Bowl, win a lot of games, and have fun.”

Burrow’s performance has been impressive. He led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI in his second year, though they fell to the Los Angeles Rams. The following year, they reached the AFC Championship Game but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, playoff appearances have eluded them, partly due to Burrow’s injuries and a struggling defense.

In 2023, a torn ligament in his throwing wrist sidelined Burrow for seven games. Despite a strong return in 2024, where he threw for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns, the Bengals’ 9-8 record kept them out of the playoffs. Last season, a severe turf toe limited Burrow’s participation, and the Bengals ended with a 6-11 record.

In a candid press conference last December, Burrow spoke about the challenges of playing through injuries. He expressed, “It certainly doesn’t change my desire to win. 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.”

Burrow’s recent appearance with GQ showed him in better spirits, eager and ready for the challenges ahead.