“I’m Not Gonna Live My Life Scared” : Joe Burrow Reiterates He Will Compete Despite Bengals’ 3-8 Record

Joe Burrow has recovered ahead of schedule is on track to play against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving Day.

“I’m Not Gonna Live My Life Scared” : Joe Burrow Reiterates He Will Compete Despite Bengals’ 3-8 Record

Joe Burrow wants to play despite Bengals' record (Image via Imago)

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NFL stars are raised to be prime competitors from a very young age. That is what led the likes of Joe Burrow to brave everything opposing grown men’s defenses have thrown at him ever since he came into the league.

Since the Cincinnati Bengals have never truly deployed a top-tier offensive line, the superstar QB has been hit quite a few times. When compared to one former player who ended up retiring, Andrew Luck, those numbers are alarming enough for fans to worry about Burrow.

So much so that many are still wondering why the LSU star is working his way back to play for a team that is 3-8, and with a very slim chance of making it to the playoffs.

I understand why people feel that way, but you look at it from my perspective – I’m a football player… I’m not going to live my life and play this game scared of something happening.

Joe Burrow told reporters

Earlier, the 28-year-old announced his return with an Instagram post and has since courted calls about whether he should play. Burrow reiterated that football is a physical game, which means players are bound to get injured.

As an athlete, and that too a competitive one, he cannot convince himself to sit out and leave his team out to dry, especially when he knows he can play.

The quarterback understands he has sped up his original recovery timetable, and credited the Bengals’ medical staff for helping him get there. That has helped him get back faster than initially expected.

Joe Burrow holds teammates accountable for 3-8 record

After discussing his desire to play this season, a reporter asked Joe Burrow about the 3-8 record the Cincinnati Bengals have found themselves in and what it would take to reach their goal.

We just gotta go play great… We have good coaches. There’s not a scheme in the NFL that is so revolutionary that it’s going to completely change the way a player plays the game… At the end of the day, players have to take some accountability and play really good.

Joe Burrow replied

Essentially, the Iowa native deflected blame off his coaches, as head coach Zac Taylor has come under intense scrutiny this season, especially over the Bengals’ lack of competitiveness. Burrow believes there is nothing new in the league that can catch players off guard. Therefore, it is up to them to do their best on the field.

He held his teammates accountable and reiterated that when he gets back on the field, he will give his absolute best, and expects his peers to do the same.

Joe Burrow praises Lamar Jackson ahead of Week 13 clash

Burrow also revealed that he was ready to play last week against the New England Patriots, but head coach Zac Taylor decided against it. Now, he is about to face Lamar Jackson, and had this to say about his fellow QB when asked about the intra-division rivalry.

Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow
Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow (Image via DraftKings Sportsbook/X)

Everybody sees how great of a player he is and how hard he works, and how he improves every single year. Obviously have a lot of respect for him and love competing against him.

Joe Burrow replied

The two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year had nothing but praise for his contemporary, who he has seen blossom from having a lot of question marks about his ability as a quarterback to becoming a two-time league MVP.

Once activated to their 53-man roster, Burrow will join his teammates on the team plane as they head towards Baltimore to take on Jackson and his Ravens. They will play the last as part of the NFL’s Thanksgiving day special broadcast.

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