Joe Burrow refers to his NFL journey as “Dark Time,” reflecting the rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations he’s faced as the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback. Recently, he shared insights into a challenging chapter that has significantly reshaped his perspective on football and life. In a conversation on the Up And Adams Show, Burrow discussed the emotional and mental impact of returning from injuries. He explained, “When you’re coming back from injury, you build your life around football, being out there, playing well, and winning games. You work so hard for it, and then it’s taken away from you, and you can’t do that. And so you kind of go through a dark time there for a little bit.”
Burrow has endured a series of severe injuries since his rookie season in 2020, which began with a devastating knee injury. This injury included a Grade 3 tear of his ACL, MCL, PCL, and a meniscus tear, ending his rookie season prematurely. His injury woes continued with a calf strain last season, followed by a ligament injury in his throwing wrist that also cut short his season. The frequency and severity of these injuries have meant that Burrow has spent more time in the trainer’s room than he would have liked, dealing with the physical and emotional toll of recovery.
Reflecting on his experience, Burrow reiterated the difficulty of building one’s life around football only to have it disrupted by injuries. He emphasized the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the sport, only to face setbacks that lead to periods of darkness and frustration. This candid revelation provides a glimpse into the struggles Burrow has faced and his resilience in overcoming them. Despite the challenges, Burrow remains determined to return stronger, underscoring the mental toughness required to navigate the ups and downs of a professional football career.
