BREAKING NEWS: Bengals QB Joe Burrow Sheds Light on Recovery From Wrist Injury in Record-Setting Season
CINCINNATI — December 24, 2024 — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has taken the NFL by storm this season, shattering multiple records and leading the team to the top of the AFC playoff race. Yet behind his remarkable performance lies a personal journey of resilience and determination, following a wrist injury that threatened to derail his career.
In an exclusive interview with NFL Network’s Michelle Tafoya on Sunday, Burrow opened up about the painful wrist injury he suffered last offseason and the arduous road to recovery. Just months before training camp, Burrow underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his throwing wrist. The injury occurred during a routine offseason workout, leaving the franchise quarterback in excruciating pain and unsure of his availability for the 2024 season.
“I was definitely concerned at first,” Burrow admitted. “I knew how important the wrist is to throwing the football. It wasn’t just about getting back to playing, but getting back to the level I expect of myself. I’ve always wanted to be the best, and I wasn’t going to let a wrist injury stop me.”
Doctors initially gave Burrow a 12-week recovery timeline, but Burrow, ever determined, pushed through a rigorous rehabilitation process, working with a specialized team of trainers, physiotherapists, and even a sports psychologist. “The physical pain wasn’t easy, but it was the mental challenge that tested me the most. There were moments I doubted myself, but I just kept telling myself: ‘It’s not the first setback I’ve faced, and it won’t be the last.'”
Burrow’s return to the field was nothing short of miraculous. Despite predictions that he’d struggle early in the season, Burrow looked stronger than ever. In the Bengals’ opening game, he threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns, leading his team to a dominant victory. As the weeks went on, Burrow’s confidence grew, and so did his performance.
By Week 13, Burrow had already broken the franchise record for most passing yards in a season, surpassing his own mark set just last year. He also broke the NFL record for most touchdowns in a season through 14 games, and currently leads the league in passing yards and passer rating.
“It’s like a new chapter for me,” Burrow said, reflecting on his unprecedented success. “When you go through something like this, you learn to appreciate the little things. Every time I take the field now, I don’t just see it as a job. It’s a privilege.”
What’s even more remarkable is that Burrow has managed to achieve all of this while playing with a wrist that is still not fully healed. He admitted that he feels “discomfort” every time he throws, but the pain has become more manageable with the help of cutting-edge treatments and ongoing therapy.
“I don’t feel 100 percent, but I’m as close to it as I’ve ever been,” he explained. “It’s a daily process. It’s not just about how I feel physically — it’s about maintaining my focus and managing the workload.”
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised Burrow for his leadership both on and off the field. “Joe is a testament to what hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering mindset can achieve,” Taylor said. “He’s been the backbone of this team, not just this season, but for years to come.”
As the Bengals prepare for a deep playoff run, Burrow’s success story is serving as an inspiration to players across the league. He’s not only proven that he can overcome the odds, but that setbacks are just stepping stones toward greater achievements.
“This injury made me stronger in ways I didn’t expect,” Burrow said. “It’s not just about what you do on the field, but how you handle adversity. I’m proud of where I am now, but I’m not done yet.”
With the playoffs on the horizon, Joe Burrow’s story is just beginning. And if this season is any indication, the best may still be yet to come.
