Total Pro Sports
Joe Burrow’s rather somber press conference on Wednesday left many fans and prognosticators puzzled to the point where they wondered if he was hinting at retirement.
During Wednesday’s press conference, Joe Burrow dropped some depressing quotes that left the NFL world wondering if he was a) considering retiring abruptly in his prime like Andrew Luck or b) hinting at a desire to be traded.
Specifically, Burrow said he must “have fun” if he’s going to keep playing football. After a reporter noted his visible frustration, the No. 1 pick of 2020 simply said he has “a lot of things going on.”
In a follow-up question about whether it was football or personal life related, Burrow said, “all of the above.”
Joe Burrow today on his new mindset following the third serious injury of his career. Prioritizing having fun, despite the challenges of 2025.
"If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing this. I have been through a lot. If it's not fun, then what am I doing it for?… pic.twitter.com/nc5mTxno7K
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) December 10, 2025
The good news for Bengals fans? According to a new report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Burrow’s comments on Wednesday were merely an emphasis of wanting to win. Burrow isn’t considering retirement nor asking out of Cincy:
“So if you hear noise about him wanting out of Cincinnati, remember: Everyone wants a Joe Burrow. The chatter about him leaving is mostly fueled by those dreaming of a blockbuster trade.
Does that mean he’s thrilled with everything inside the Bengals’ building? No. People close to him have made it clear that certain parts of the Bengals’ operation, with the smallest coaching and scouting staffs in the league, have previously frustrated him.
Though some might wonder whether those past issues were on Burrow’s mind during his Wednesday news conference, rest assured: That’s not what it was. It wasn’t about his protection, either; the Bengals’ offensive line has been an issue before, but it hasn’t been a concern lately, only surrendering one sack in each of his two games since returning.
He’s just tired of losing.”
One source close to Joe Burrow told Russini, “Nothing matters to him but playing this game and winning a Super Bowl.” Another source told her, “This isn’t mental health, this isn’t depression, this is I want to win.”
Deep breath, Bengals fans.
Burrow missed nine games with a turf toe injury. The Bengals went 1-8 without their star signal-caller. And if not for an atrocious defense, they would have defeated the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sunday.
It’s still mind-boggling that the Bengals missed the playoffs last year. Burrow led the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase won the triple crown of receiving. Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks. It still wasn’t enough.
Burrow may not request...
