Joe Burrow Aims for NFL MVP

Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow have been known as the NFL’s ‘Big 4’ quarterbacks for the past five years. Among them, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, 29, is the only one without an NFL MVP award. He is determined to change this in the upcoming season.

Burrow, selected as the first overall pick in 2020, recently featured in GQ’s ’10 Essentials’ series. Unsurprisingly, he included a football in his list of essential items. ‘It has brought me many good fortunes in life,’ Burrow said. ‘I wouldn’t be here talking with you guys without this football. I can throw it very accurately. Kind of far, not as far as most. I usually keep one in the back of my car, just in case.’

When asked about his goals for the 2026 NFL season, Burrow was clear: ‘I have all the goals for this season. MVP, Super Bowl, win a lot of games, and have fun.’

Burrow led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI in his second year as a starter. They lost to the Los Angeles Rams. The next year, the Bengals reached the AFC Championship Game, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, they haven’t returned to the playoffs. Part of their struggles stem from Burrow’s injuries and a weak defense.

In 2023, Burrow missed seven games due to a torn ligament in his throwing wrist, which needed surgery. However, in 2024, he bounced back to lead the league with 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns. The team ended with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the postseason. Last season, Burrow missed nine games because of severe turf toe, resulting in a 6-11 finish for the Bengals.

In a December press conference, Burrow opened up about the impact of his injury-laden seasons. ‘It certainly doesn’t change my desire to win,’ he said. ‘If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it. I’ve been through a lot, and if it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for? So that’s the mindset I’m trying to bring to the table.’

Burrow seemed more positive in his interaction with GQ. Watch the full video below.