Joe Burrow’s Candid Comments Turn Heads, But Ed Orgeron Believes His Former QB Will Bounce Back
Joe Burrow’s postgame press conference after the Bengals’ 39-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 wasn’t your typical “we’ll get ‘em next time” moment. Instead, Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback opened up in a way fans-and even those closest to him-aren’t used to seeing.
Burrow, who has battled through a season marred by injury and frustration, admitted that he hasn’t been enjoying the game lately. He even went as far as to question his football future beyond this season. That kind of honesty from a player known for his steely resolve and competitive fire caught plenty of people off guard-including his former college coach, Ed Orgeron.
Orgeron, who coached Burrow during LSU’s historic 2019 national championship run, reacted to the comments in a recent interview. And like many who’ve followed Burrow’s career, Orgeron was surprised.
“I never heard Joe sound like that, so it did strike me, yeah,” Orgeron said. “But Joe’s going to bounce back.
Joe’s a fighter. He might have had a bad day, so somebody might have told him something that p’d him off on the way over there.
I don’t know, but I do believe he’s a fighter and I do believe he has a lot of football left. I do believe he’s going to fight through it.”
That belief in Burrow’s resilience isn’t just coach-speak-it’s rooted in years of watching him overcome adversity.
A Season That’s Tested Burrow in Every Way
This season has been a grind for Burrow from the jump. After undergoing foot surgery, he missed nine games and was never quite able to find his rhythm upon returning.
Hopes that he could rally the Bengals into playoff contention were dashed quickly, with back-to-back losses to the Bills and Ravens dropping Cincinnati to 4-10. In those two games, Burrow threw four interceptions-uncharacteristic numbers for a player who’s typically sharp and composed under pressure.
It’s been a frustrating stretch, no doubt. And when you factor in the injuries that have plagued Burrow early in his career, it’s not hard to understand why he might be feeling the weight of it all.
He’s only in his sixth season, but he’s already earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors twice. That’s a testament to his ability to fight through tough breaks-but it’s also a reminder of just how much physical and mental toll he’s endured.
Burrow’s Future: Uncertainty, But No Trade Talk
Naturally, Burrow’s comments sparked speculation-was he unhappy in Cincinnati? Could a trade be on the table?
But Burrow was quick to shut down that line of thinking. His remarks weren’t about wanting out; they were about the emotional toll of a season that hasn’t gone the way anyone hoped.
The Bengals entered 2025 with legitimate playoff expectations. But when your franchise quarterback is sidelined for over half the season, those hopes quickly turn into what-ifs. And while the team has struggled to stay afloat, Burrow’s absence has loomed large.
Still, if there’s one thing Burrow’s track record shows, it’s that counting him out is a mistake. He’s built his reputation on resilience, from his transfer from Ohio State to his Heisman-winning season at LSU, to his return from a torn ACL early in his NFL career. This is a guy who doesn’t just bounce back-he comes back better.
What’s Next for Burrow and the Bengals?
Looking ahead, the big question isn’t whether Burrow can still play at an elite level-he’s already proven that. The question is whether he wants to keep doing it, and whether he’s ready to recommit to the grind that comes with being the face of a franchise.
At 29 years old, Burrow still has plenty of football in front of him-if he chooses to keep going. And if he can stay healthy, there’s no reason to believe the Bengals can’t get back to contending in 2026. But for now, the offseason will be all about reflection, recovery, and clarity-for both Burrow and the team.
One thing’s for sure: the league is better when Joe Burrow is in it, and if Ed Orgeron’s instincts are right, we haven’t seen the last of him just yet.