“I think I’m better right now. Mentally I’m faster, my body is bigger faster stronger…That’s what I love about the process of football and the grind; when you feel yourself improving that builds momentum back..." Joe Burrow Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback

The Pivot Training Camp tour is in full swing as we visit NFL cities sitting with players and coaches around the league bringing you exclusive interviews and sideline conversations to get you ready for the football season. And we make a special stop for a Tiger who earned his stripes in Louisiana and now wears stripes in Cincinnati, the Bengal's franchise leader isn't just one who talks the talk, but actually walks the walk, with his journey speaking for itself.

In partnership with Fanatics, Ryan, Fred, and Channing sit with one of the top players in the league, Joe Burrow, a QB who's not just one of the faces of football, but one of fashion, sports and culture globally. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Burrow has helped re-write the Bengals' record books, led them to a Super Bowl, ignited a fan base and earned the nickname Joe Cool. His success has been shadowed by injury with last November, Burrow undergoing season-ending wrist surgery, stalling his chances for another Super Bowl run but with new hair and a fresh outlook, Joey B is cool, confident, collected and letting the NFL world know, "I'm back and I'm better than before."

In a conversation that spans further than the Xs and Os of the game, Burrow opens up about his process, his mentality on and off the field, pride and leadership within the Bengals locker room and his bond with college teammate turned favorite NFL target, Ja'Marr Chase. Despite losing some key offensive weapons this off-season, Burrow is excited about new additions and welcomes the weight of carrying the Bengals success on his shoulders. He doesn't allow personal criticism to affect him, ignores what people say about his off the field choices and how he spends his time but admits that sometimes words about his play and effort do get to him, only because of how much he cares and pours into his craft.

Led by Joe Burrow, The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the few AFC teams that's had Kansas City's number in recent years and the duals always come down to Burrow and Patrick Mahomes, with a Bengal win in 2022 that led his team to a Super Bowl. But with that game coming down to the last few plays, the Super Bowl loss to the Rams still haunts Burrow and he's on a mission to get his team back to the post season and a chance to play for the Lombardi this year in familiar territory of Louisiana.

Revisiting Burrow's legendary run at LSU that earned him the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship, the guys talk about best-ever college football teams, talent transcending to NFL careers and most importantly, the grit and grind Burrow proved he's made of. Sharing close LSU ties, RC's been a fan of his play since day one but his respect and admiration for Joe goes far beyond the field as he appreciates the QBs non-wavering stance on important social issues, including racism and commitment in using his platform to induce change. 

Busting chops, Ryan couldn't let Joe go without asking how the young star forgot about the OG in the infamous white party LSU photo from the summer. His response, much like all Joe does, is spot on,

We’re half way through our tour, and will continue to bring sideline views and locker room conversations as we gear up for the return of the NFL season! Don’t miss out as we continue to visit teams and connect with players, coaches and meet fans on each of our Pivot stops! Make sure you subscribe to YouTube for hints on upcoming cities and follow along for more training camp content, only on The Pivot in partnership with Fanatics!

https://www.linkedin.com/pivotpodcast to post your job for free!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices