Joe Burrow has been carrying the Cincinnati Bengals franchise since he entered the league after a 15-0 Hesiman Trophy season and national championship. The golden-armed signal caller quickly transformed the franchise into a contender, highlighted by a run to Super Bowl LVI in the 2021 season. Burrow has had some incredible statistical seasons, he’s also fought injuries and had some years where the entire organization fell short of expectations.
Now entering his seventh season, Burrow is feeling the frustrations of never having lifted a Lombardi Trophy, and he sees his peak years flying by while the Bengals do a dance of mediocrity.
ESPN Analyst Suggests Burrow Is Giving Bengals Ultimatum: “Win or I’m Out”
Burrow hasn’t been close to a Super Bowl run since he lost in the 2022 AFC Championship game, the year after advancing to the Super Bowl. Burrow’s stock was the highest back then.
With Burrow healthy and focused, analysts are projecting a rebound season for the Cincinnati Bengals, with many slating them to finish with around 11 to 12 wins and capture the AFC North division title from the Steelers and Ravens.
In a recent press conference, Burrow expressed himself as a player who is frustrated with the Bengals franchise, but will give it one more shot. If this season is a disaster Burrow might be looking to make his Bengals exit.
At least that’s how ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky interprets it. Above a video post of Burrow’s comments about the upcoming season, Orlovsky captioned:
“Win or I’m out.”
Burrow didn’t say those words, but he did say that “I’m tired of saying next year, next year, next year. This is it. Life is too short to keep pushing things down the road.”
Some could interpret Burrow’s words as a threat. He makes it clear that he’s trying to get his guys up to his level of understanding and commitment. He also hasn’t said that it’s working so far this preseason.
“I’m trying to instill some urgency and some intensity in everybody to go and be great everyday and try and go make it happen,” Burrow told reporters. “I’m trying to put it out into the world and manifest it and show our guys the urgency that I have and that I want us to have as an organization to go and make it happen…You can keep pushing it down the road or you can talk about it now and say this is the year,” Burrow said.
Bengals Fans Attack Dan Orlovsky For Suggesting Burrow Would Force Trade
Orlovsky’s post had Bengals fans panicking. Without Burrow the future of that franchise is bleak and most fans would rather fire the head coach.
“I see where you got the win part, but where are you getting the “or I’m out” part from what he said?” one fan asked.
Orlovsky replied, “Reality in the league. Org is absolutely all in. If they don’t make the playoffs that’s 4 straight seasons, if that happens in that league there are big big changes.For all the bengals fans I’ve said bengals win division and go 13-4 so…”
“so why not just fire zac taylor instead of making the franchise player leave you fucking stupid. you don’t ever say sh*t about zac taylor poor ass coaching!!!” another user replied to Orlovsky.
“Not sure how you interpreted this as a threat and not a commitment from himself & his teammates. There’s nothing about the org here. It’s far more likely to be about the mindset of him & his guys. Weird thing to stir up, but drama is good for clicks I guess,” a netizen said on X.
Regardless, It’s Win Now In Cincinnati: Burrow Will Leave Eventually If Team Doesn’t Improve
Having a quarterback of Burrow’s caliber is half the battle in the NFL. If Cincinnati can finally put the proper pieces around him and keep him upright then anything is possible. The franchise has been heavily criticized over the years for its inability to build an offensive line that can protect such a valuable commodity. Despite missing significant time due to injuries, Burrow has accumulated over 200 sacks since entering the league in 2020, putting him among the most-sacked QBs of his specific era alongside chisled veterans such as Russell Wilson.
He’s super paid, signing a five-year, $275 million contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023. The deal carries an average annual salary of $55 million, with $219.01 million guaranteed. He’s under contract through the 2029 season. But those are made to be broken.
All of the money in the world can’t keep Burrow’s ego from wanting to bring Cincy its first Super Bowl win in franchise history. Once thought to be the heir apparent to Tom Brady, he’s seen Patrick Mahomes win three Super Bowls, Jalen Hurts go to two and win one. Sam Darnold has even gotten a ring.
His heart might be in the right place, but business is business. And legacy has become more important than ever for a quarterback. Expect Burrow to chase his to another location.
