Despite missing out majority of last year, Joe Burrow admits feeling “pretty damn good” about himself entering the new season

The Bengals began their training camp on Wednesday and quarterback Joe Burrow revealed to be feeling refreshed following a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Despite missing out majority of last year, Joe Burrow admits feeling “pretty damn good” about himself entering the new season

Joe Burrow (Image via IMAGO)

Following consecutive trips to the AFC Championship games with the Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow’s stock was on the up. However, it took a massive dent in 2023.

Burrow was already suffering through a sore calf—an injury sustained during the 2022 season. He missed a chunk of the offseason but managed to play the first few games until hurting his wrist during a match against the Baltimore Ravens.

This was a good learning curve for the 27-year-old, and donning a new haircut for a shot at redemption. On the Bengals’ first day of training camp, Burrow spoke with the media, announcing his intent.

You grow and learn every year. I know I'm pretty damn good. I have been. Going to continue to improve, year to year, [day to day]. I think that's how you have to approach it. I'm focused on continued improvement.
Joe Burrow said on Wednesday

Burrow gained 15 pounds during the current offseason while working out. Additionally, he learned to play the piano, which helped him gain better movement in his right wrist.

I'm really happy with the offseason that I had. I'm really happy to have this training camp to continue to hone my skills and improve and build this team chemistry for this run we're about to go on.
Joe Burrow added

Joe Burrow is favorite to win NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year

The AFC is shaping up to be another slugfest in 2024. Teams used the free agency and the draft smartly to increase their quality, and the Bengals are no different.

Despite missing out majority of last year, Joe Burrow admits feeling "pretty damn good" about himself entering the new season
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (Image via IMAGO)

They very much have the same squad, besides a few changes here and there. Following lengthy negotiations, WR2 Tee Higgins agreed to play under the franchise tag, and Zack Moss (running back), who had 183 carries and 5 touchdowns for the Colts last season, replaced Joe Mixon, who moved to Houston.

This will only help Burrow in the long run, and FanDuel Sportsbook predicted the Pro Bowler to have another great season, bagging the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. He is the joint favorite to win it with the Jets Aaron Rodgers.

The spirit of the AP [Associated Press] Comeback Player of the Year Award is to honor a player who has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity by overcoming illness, physical injury, or other circumstances that led him to miss playing time the previous season.
The Associated Press said

The list for the 2024 NFL Comeback Player Award per FanDuel Sportsbook:

  • Joe Burrow +200
  • Aaron Rodgers +200
  • Kirk Cousins +600
  • Anthony Richardson +700
  • Nick Chubb +1300
  • Daniel Jones +1500
  • K. Dobbins +2500
  • Deshaun Watson +3300
  • Justin Herbert +3300

Burrow has won the Comeback Player Award once before back in 2021. It will be interesting to see whether he can lead the Bengals to another Super Bowl appearance.

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