Joe Burrow has created a legend. The Ohio State castoff transferred to LSU and won a title, while setting multiple FBS records in the process, before taking his talents to the NFL.
Before all that, Burrow was an underrated prospect at Athens High School who took the Buckeye State by storm. His highlights were a sign of successful things to come.
Joe Burrow in High School
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Football has been in Burrow's blood since birth. His father, Jim, was a coach at Nebraska and Iowa State, as well as the longtime defensive coordinator for Ohio University.
In this video, Burrow is showing off the traits that he has become known for: a rocket arm, the ability to scramble, and a high football IQ.
The state of Ohio may not be known as a gold mine for football recruits, but that didn't impact Burrow as he put up video game-like numbers. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, he accumulated 157 touchdowns.
His senior year was the most impressive. Burrow threw for 63 TDs, rushed for another five, and only threw a pair of interceptions. He was named Ohio Mr. Football that year and also earned the coveted Gatorade Player of the Year title.
After weighing offers around the country, Burrow opted to remain close to home and play for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Joe Burrow in College
Joe Burrow started out his career as a redshirt freshman and only sparingly got into games. Head coach Urban Meyer opted to play J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins instead, so Burrow transferred from Columbus to Baton Rouge to join the LSU Tigers.
The decision would change the trajectory of his career forever.
After a solid 2018, Burrow unleashed his potential in 2019, bringing the Tigers to an undefeated season. Burrow beat rival Alabama in the regular season, throttled Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff semifinal, and defeated Clemson in the National Championship Game.
Ed Orgeron had a star on his hands, as Burrow threw for 60 touchdowns and claimed some NCAA records. In his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, Burrow brought up his hometown, and as a result, the Athens City School District decided to name their football field after him.
Joe Burrow Stadium displays the QB's lasting impact in the area.
After conquering the college football world, it was time for the NFL.
Joe Burrow in the NFL
Joe Burrow's first Bengals TD is a QB draw!
Welcome to the league ?
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/Wbs3Csuoeq
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 13, 2020
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Burrow with the first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
While the Bengals won't be winning a Super Bowl any time soon, he was a standout rookie, throwing for 2,688 passing yards in 10 games.
A torn ACL and MCL derailed his season, but he will be back and better than ever soon.
Joe Burrow's first TD pass in the NFL ??
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/wk1q9574gB
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 18, 2020
Joe Burrow has gone from Athens County superstardom to No. 1 overall pick. It wouldn't be shocking to see him take command of the NFL in due time as well.
