Joe Burrow reminded everyone why he's one of the NFL’s most electrifying talents, even in a game that’s more about flair than fierce competition. During the first quarter of the 2026 Pro Bowl Games at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, the Bengals quarterback found the end zone in style - but not with his arm. This time, it was his legs doing the talking.
On a clever trick play, Burrow took a backward pass from Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane and turned it into six points. The play had just the right mix of creativity and execution - and Burrow’s smooth finish drew instant praise from the ESPN broadcast team.
“He shows you he’s here to compete!” Scott Van Pelt exclaimed, while Steve Young added, “Joe Burrow has some legs, man.
Did you see that? That was really sweet!”
This was Burrow’s second appearance in the Pro Bowl Games, coming after his third selection in six seasons with Cincinnati. And he wasn’t alone - fellow Bengals Joe Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins were also part of the AFC squad, giving the team a strong presence on the national stage.
For Bengals fans, seeing Burrow back on the field - even in a laid-back setting like the Pro Bowl - was a welcome sight after a 2025 season that tested the franchise’s resilience. Burrow played in just eight games after suffering a turf toe injury in Week 2 against Jacksonville. Still, in limited action, he posted 1,809 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and just five interceptions - solid production for a quarterback battling through injury.
One of the highlights of his abbreviated season came in Week 16 against Miami, where Burrow threw four touchdown passes and earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. But the lows were just as memorable - particularly a 24-0 shutout loss to the Ravens in Week 15, which Burrow himself called one of the worst performances of his career.
Fast forward to the Pro Bowl Games, and Burrow looked refreshed, confident, and ready to remind fans what he’s capable of. Last year, he showed off his accuracy in the “Passing the Test” competition, racking up 27 points before tossing his first Pro Bowl touchdown - fittingly to Ja'Marr Chase. This year, he added a rushing score to his Pro Bowl résumé, showing that even in an exhibition setting, he’s not afraid to take risks and have fun doing it.
The touchdown wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment - it was a glimpse of the competitor who’s helped elevate the Bengals into perennial contenders. And if this is a sign of how Burrow’s feeling heading into 2026, Cincinnati has every reason to believe their franchise quarterback is gearing up for a big bounce-back year.