Joe Burrow Sets Sights on NFL MVP Amid Challenges

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow have been widely recognized as the NFL’s “Big 4” quarterbacks for the past five years.

Joe Burrow, at 29, remains the only member of this quartet without an NFL MVP award. Determined to rectify this, he is committed to pursuing this accolade in the upcoming season.

Burrow, the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, recently featured on GQ’s “10 Essentials” series. When selecting his indispensable items, Burrow predictably included a football. “This football has brought me many good fortunes,” Burrow said. “Without it, I wouldn’t be speaking here today. I am known for my accurate throws, though not as far as some others. I usually have one in the back of my car for convenience.”

Regarding his ambitions for the 2026 NFL season, Burrow expressed them clearly: “Winning the MVP, clinching the Super Bowl, securing lots of victories, and enjoying the process are my goals.”

Burrow guided the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI in his second season but fell to the Los Angeles Rams. The Bengals returned to the AFC Championship the next year but succumbed to the Kansas City Chiefs and have not made it to the playoffs since then.

Contributing factors to the Bengals’ disappointments include unfortunate Burrow injuries and one of the NFL’s least effective defenses. In 2023, Burrow endured a torn ligament in his throwing wrist, sidelining him from seven games, but returned fully recovered for the 2024 season, leading the league with 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns. Despite these achievements, the Bengals ended the season 9-8, narrowly missing playoff contention. In the following season, a severe turf toe injury took Burrow out for nine games, resulting in a 6-11 record for the team.

In December, Burrow held a candid press conference, revealing the emotional impact of his injury-marred seasons. “These challenges have not diminished my wish to succeed,” he said. “Continuing in this direction requires enjoyment. What drives me, after all I’ve faced, is the fun. That’s the approach I want to maintain.”

Burrow appeared to be in improved spirits during his interview with GQ. You can watch the complete video below.