Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is entering his sixth NFL season in 2025, having been the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Known as the franchise leader, Burrow has guided the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2021 season and remains a central figure in the team’s ambitions going forward. As part of his offseason changes, Burrow has unveiled a new look, debuting long, curly hair that has quickly captured attention online.
The quarterback’s new hairstyle drew immediate comparisons to Tom Brady during his early NFL years, notably when Brady sported long hair. A viral photo shows Burrow in his Bengals jersey with the flowing hair, sparking fan discussions about the resemblance and its possible impact on performance.
Fans React to Burrow’s New Look with Nostalgic Comparisons
Social media users responded with both humor and admiration toward Joe Burrow’s transformation. Some likened him to an iconic figure from past NFL eras, while others compared his appearance to characters from classic films. The mixed reactions embraced the nostalgic vibe of the long hair, capturing fans’ imagination about what this new style might mean for the season ahead.
“Bro think he’s 2010 Tom Brady,” one fan joked.
“Looks like a bully from an 80s movie,” another fan said.
“Things always seem to go well when Joe’s hairstyle is a thing…” this fan proclaimed.
“He looks like the popular guy at school in the 80s,” another fan said.
“Bro just unlocked his hall of fame gun slinger badge,” this fan stated.
“This can’t be real,” one fan commented.
Recent Performance and Burrow’s Reflections on the Past Season
Burrow experienced a challenging 2024 campaign, in which the Bengals finished third in the AFC North with a 9-8 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Despite his team’s struggles, Burrow recorded impressive individual stats, throwing for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns. However, these numbers were not enough to secure postseason success.
After another disappointing year, Burrow openly discussed his frustrations and commitment to improvement. Citing his own efforts as a key factor in the Bengals’ results, he expressed a personal drive to enhance his performance to elevate the team’s chances moving forward.
“If I had played better, we wouldn’t have been in that spot that we were in…,” Burrow said. “I just focus on getting better myself, and I feel like everyone in the locker room feels the same way. If I go out there and play better than I did last year, then it doesn’t matter what goes on anywhere else.”
—Joe Burrow, QB
Looking Ahead: Burrow Aims to Lead Bengals to First Super Bowl Win
The Bengals have reached the Super Bowl three times but have yet to capture the championship trophy. With Joe Burrow entering the 2025 season fully motivated, the team’s focus will be on advancing further than before and finally breaking through to claim their first Lombardi Trophy. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Bengals open their season against the Cleveland Browns in September.
Burrow’s new hairstyle and renewed determination symbolize a fresh start as Cincinnati prepares for what they hope will be a successful playoff run and potentially a historic victory.