Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, known for crafting formidable defenses, recently acknowledged Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow as one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL’s best while emphasizing that Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes remains the premier quarterback. This interaction unfolded during the 2023 season after a game between the Chiefs and Bengals, highlighting the ongoing rivalry and showcasing Spagnuolo’s unique blend of respect and competitive edge.
Spagnuolo’s remarks came shortly after the Chiefs edged out the Bengals 26-25 in a close contest, thanks to a last-minute field goal by Harrison Butker. Burrow completed 23 passes, threw for 256 yards, and recorded two touchdowns despite the narrow defeat. The coordinator’s praise was both a compliment and a subtle reminder of Burrow’s position relative to Mahomes in the league hierarchy.
Highlighting a Memorable Moment from the Netflix Docuseries ‘Quarterback’
Steve Spagnuolo appeared briefly but memorably in the second season of the Netflix series Quarterback, which documents the journeys of NFL quarterbacks Jared Goff, Joe Burrow, and Kirk Cousins. In the second episode titled “Damn Near Perfect,” the focus includes the Bengals vs. Chiefs Week 2 clash. After the game, Spagnuolo stopped Burrow on the sidelines and offered high praise while reaffirming Mahomes’ top status.
“Hey, other than our guy (Patrick Mahomes), you are the best in the business. I’m not saying that because you’re standing here.” —Steve Spagnuolo, Chiefs Defensive Coordinator
This declaration from a seasoned coach widely respected for both his defensive acumen and coaching wisdom painted Burrow as a formidable competitor while playfully nodding to Mahomes as the reigning king. The interaction captured on the docuseries highlights the respect Burrow commands even from rival coaches.
Ongoing Rivalry Between Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes
Over their five head-to-head meetings—three regular season and two playoff matchups—Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes have consistently delivered thrilling performances. Burrow holds a slight advantage in regular-season meetings with two wins, while the playoff series is evenly split. Despite this competitiveness, Mahomes continues to maintain his reputation as the elite quarterback of the Chiefs franchise.
The upcoming NFL regular season does not feature a scheduled Bengals-Chiefs game, but both quarterbacks may face off again in the postseason, perpetuating one of today’s most compelling quarterback rivalries. Spagnuolo’s comments reflect this fierce but respectful competition between two of the league’s brightest stars.
Spagnuolo Has Long Admired Burrow, Comparing Him to Tom Brady
Steve Spagnuolo’s praise for Joe Burrow is not a recent development. Since Burrow’s second NFL season in 2021, Spagnuolo has drawn comparisons between the Bengals quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Early in Burrow’s career, Spagnuolo highlighted his poise and ability to read defenses, qualities uncommon in a relatively young player.
“This may sound crazy, but I see a young Tom Brady, This guy does everything. He does not look like a second-year quarterback that missed a lot of his first year, totally impressed with him.” —Steve Spagnuolo, Chiefs Defensive Coordinator
During the 2021 season, Burrow led the Bengals to a 34-31 victory over the Chiefs, throwing four touchdowns and completing 30 passes for 406 yards. Later that year, the Bengals narrowly won the AFC Championship Game in overtime against Kansas City, marking a statement victory for Burrow and his team.
Deepening Respect Amidst Intense Competition
By the 2023 AFC Championship Game, when the Chiefs claimed redemption with a victory over the Bengals, Spagnuolo’s admiration for Burrow remained steadfast. He reiterated the intriguing parallels to Brady and emphasized Burrow’s killer instinct, recognizing its impact on the Bengals’ offensive success. Despite the respect, Spagnuolo and the Chiefs view Mahomes as the benchmark of excellence.
While Burrow has firmly established himself as a top quarterback, analysts continue to watch closely as the Bengals approach what many see as a pivotal season. Their campaign will begin against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field.
The Significance of Spagnuolo’s Praise in the NFL Landscape
Spagnuolo’s remarks underline the growing stature of Joe Burrow among NFL quarterbacks and acknowledge the fierce rivalry that drives both him and Patrick Mahomes. This rivalry not only fuels their competitive spirits but also captivates fans and analysts alike, raising the stakes in every Bengals-Chiefs meeting.
As the league evolves, the dynamic between Burrow and Mahomes represents the new generation of elite signal-callers striving to leave their mark, with Spagnuolo’s recognition adding validation to Burrow’s rise and hinting at the exciting battles still to come in the NFL.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Joe Burrow a millionaire?
A. As of September 2024, Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow has a net worth of $50 million. His wealth comes from a high-paying NFL contract and deals with companies like Nike and Bose. In 2023, he signed a contract extension for $275 million, ranking him among the top earners in the league.
Q. Does Joe Burrow like Harry Potter?
A. I still don’t enjoy scary films. Haunted houses and similar things aren’t for me. Movies like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings weren’t my choice either. I stuck to shows like SpongeBob and channels like Disney and Nickelodeon. There’s nothing wrong with preferring Disney Channel shows.
Q. Is Joe Burrow underpaid?
A. Joe Burrow, who plays quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, agreed to a five-year contract extension. This deal made him the NFL’s highest-paid player ever. In 2023, he signed a contract worth $275 million with the Bengals, setting a new record for player earnings.