The Cincinnati Bengals have “rules” for practicing near Joe Burrow
By Zach Ragan
Former LSU football quarterback Joe Burrow left no doubt this week that he’s an elite team leader.
Burrow, who was the No. 1 pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft, missed the final six games of his rookie season after tearing his ACL against the Washington Football Team.
Since the injury happened late in the season (late November), there was some concern about whether or not the former Heisman Trophy winner would be ready for the start of the 2021 season.
Burrow, however, remained confident throughout his recovery this winter that he’d be with the Bengals when the season kicks off in early September.
On Tuesday, during the first day of mini-camps, Burrow showed up to work out with his teammates, despite not being 100 percent yet.
Joe Burrow is the definition of an elite leader
Burrow could’ve taken it easy and skipped Cincinnati’s minicamp this week. After all, it’s late May and he’s still recovering from a torn ACL that occurred just six months ago.
But that’s not how Burrow is wired.
The former LSU standout wanted to make sure he was with his team this week. Burrow said on Tuesday that he felt it was important that he was present for workouts (via Paul Dehner Jr of the Athletic).
“It’s good for the spirit of the team,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “He’s a leader of the team. That’s what leaders do whether they are doing a lot or a little.”
Burrow is hoping he can compete in the preseason for Cincinnati, though he still has a ways to go in his recovery.
In fact, the Bengals had some “Burrow rules” put in place as the star quarterback recovers from his injury.
According to Dehner, there are no players allowed within 10 feet of Burrow (including running backs running routes who are sent in motion). No balls are allowed to be rolling around near Burrow, either.
Taylor and owner Mike Brown will be keeping a strict eye on Burrow’s feet to make sure their franchise quarterback doesn’t suffer any setbacks.
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The fact that Burrow is this far along in his recovery is quite amazing. It’s hard to imagine there’s a more competitive football player on the planet than Joe Burrow.