Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, widely regarded as one of the top talents in football, recently faced a humorous challenge outside his sport. Despite leading the NFL this past season with 4,918 passing yards and 43 passing touchdowns, Burrow’s attempt at baseball throwing did not go as smoothly, highlighting his struggles in adapting to the different skill set.
On June 21, former Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan shared a viral clip on social media showing Burrow missing most targets while throwing baseballs. Burrow repeatedly threw in a football-style motion, causing the baseball to sail high and slightly off to the right each time, underscoring the difficulty in switching sports techniques.
Lewan’s brief, witty message accompanying the video conveyed appreciation for Burrow’s comical performance.
“Thank you Joe Burrow, thank you.” —Taylor Lewan, Former Tennessee Titans Offensive Tackle
Background on Lewan’s Own Baseball Pitching Experience
Lewan’s lighthearted roast draws on his personal experience with baseball pitching difficulties. On June 5, at a St. Louis Cardinals game, Lewan took the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch but missed the mark by a wide margin, sending the ball far left past the catcher. This moment reflected Lewan’s own challenges in executing an accurate baseball throw.
Orlando Silva, an NFL analyst from Sportskeeda, reported on Lewan’s pitch mishap, noting its awkward outcome and the media capturing the event.
“Currently at the @Cardinals game, and there’s something I need to get ahead of. A video will be surfacing of me throwing a pitch from the mound. Let’s just say… the haters are going to have an absolute field day. It is a beautiful stadium tho.” —Taylor Lewan
This context explains why Lewan’s social media post expressed a joking sense of gratitude toward Burrow for sharing in the struggle, by providing a relatable moment that shifts some attention away from Lewan’s own pitching woes.
Implications of the Viral Clip and What It Means for Joe Burrow
The clip’s popularity highlights the unexpected and entertaining side of athletes trying skills outside their main sport, especially when they experience noticeable challenges. For Joe Burrow, the baseball throwing struggles serve as a reminder that even elite athletes have specific strengths and limitations. While he remains a dominant force in football with the Cincinnati Bengals, the baseball attempts show that transitioning skills across sports can require more than just talent.
For Lewan, sharing the video brings a lighthearted connection between two professional athletes, allowing fans and media to engage in sports humor. This moment may also help ease the pressure or criticism both players face by fostering camaraderie and relatability in their off-field activities.
As both continue their respective careers in football, these viral moments provide fans with entertaining glimpses into their personalities and willingness to embrace challenges beyond the gridiron.