Joe Burrow’s Mom Sets the Record Straight: “He Loves the Game, and He Loves Playing in Cincinnati”
After a recent press conference left some fans raising eyebrows and analysts speculating about Joe Burrow’s future, the Bengals quarterback’s mother, Robin Burrow, stepped in to offer some clarity-and reassurance.
Speaking on The KiddChris Show alongside her husband, Jimmy Burrow, Robin addressed the buzz surrounding Joe’s demeanor during a media session earlier this week. When reporters noted some tension in Burrow’s tone and body language, his comment-“There’s just a lot of things going on right now”-sparked a wave of speculation.
Was he frustrated with the Bengals? Was he questioning his football future?
According to his mom, the answer is simple: Joe Burrow still loves football, and he still loves being a Bengal.
“He loves the game. It’s what he loves to do,” Robin said during the Thursday morning interview. “He loves playing here in Cincinnati and for this city.”
That should come as a breath of fresh air for Bengals fans who’ve watched their franchise quarterback battle through injuries and high expectations. Burrow has become the face of the team-and in many ways, the city-since being drafted No. 1 overall. But with every setback, including the serious knee injury he suffered early in his NFL career, comes concern about his long-term health and mindset.
Robin admitted those concerns are real for her, too.
“I wasn’t really worried about Joe getting hurt ever until he had his first big injury here with, actually, the Bengals, when he tore his knee up,” she said. “And since then, now, I’m definitely a lot more worried on game day about his safety.”
That’s a relatable take from any parent watching their child take hits in the NFL trenches. But Robin also understands that risk is baked into the game-and it’s a game Joe still chooses every day.
“It’s a part of the game, it’s a part of his business, and it’s a risk, certainly,” she added. “But we love the game, and he loves the game.”
And it’s not just about the X’s and O’s. Burrow’s connection to his teammates clearly plays a big role in keeping his fire lit. When co-host Sara Elyse mentioned the chemistry between Joe and his offensive weapons-Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Mike Gesicki-Robin didn’t hesitate to agree.
“Which is absolutely true,” she said. “And as long as they’re all having a great time out there, doing what they love, that’s-to me, as a mom-that’s the most important thing.”
The interview also spotlighted the work being done off the field by the Joe Burrow Foundation, which Robin and Jimmy help lead. The foundation is the presenting sponsor of the upcoming Mardi Gras Benefitting Homeless Children event, scheduled for February 17, 2026, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.
It’s a cause close to the Burrow family’s heart. The foundation focuses on fighting childhood food insecurity and supporting youth mental health-issues Joe has spoken about since his Heisman Trophy speech. This event specifically aims to raise enough funds to feed local children in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area for an entire year.
So while the headlines might swirl about Burrow’s future or his mood at a press conference, what’s clear is this: He’s still all-in. On football.
On Cincinnati. And on making a difference far beyond the field.