Burrow has plenty of experience with operating in the background, dating as far back as his early years in college. He graduated from Athens (Ohio) High School as a four-star dual-threat quarterback and the state’s reigning Mr. Football, followed the dream path of signing with Ohio State, redshirted in 2015, then sat behind J.T. Barrett and the late Dwayne Haskins for three years before deciding he’d need to transfer elsewhere to earn a chance to play. He landed at LSU and took off in his second year with the Tigers, leading them to a 15-0 finish and College Football Playoff National Championship, vaulting to the top of the 2020 NFL Draft board along the way.

Cincinnati chose him first overall, and it quickly became clear Burrow was built for the pro game, appearing unfazed by the speed of the NFL while handling starting quarterback duties. A knee injury ended his rookie season, though, cutting short the promising start of Burrow’s pro career.

He compiled a remarkable comeback season in 2021, leading the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI, a game they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in heartbreaking fashion. Burrow managed to stay healthy throughout the following season, but a calf injury suffered in training camp in 2023 hampered his start to that campaign. After a rough first month, Burrow and the Bengals appeared ready for takeoff when the wrist injury (and subsequent surgery) ended his season.

In 2021, much of the lead-up to that season was spent focusing on Burrow’s status on his road back from knee surgery. He’s already cleared multiple benchmarks this offseason with his wrist and recently admitted his top priority is to stay healthy.

Until he can prove he’s able to do so on an annual basis, health will always be a question with Burrow. While he’s made it a goal to remain available, he also has greater targets. Forcing his way into the NFL conversation is a good start.