Why Does Joe Burrow Wear Number 9?

John Rizzo

Updated on:

Joe Burrow Wear Number 9

Joe Burrow’s choice to wear the number 9 jersey transcends the typical numerical insignificance found in sports attire.

Renowned as a stellar quarterback for both the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL and the LSU Tigers in college football, Burrow’s jersey selection holds a rich tapestry of personal significance. 

Born and raised in Ohio, his initial commitment to Ohio State saw him in the number 10 jersey. 

However, a transfer to LSU prompted a change to number 9, a homage to his idol, Drew Brees. 

Beyond idolatry, the number symbolizes a connection with LSU’s vibrant Cajun community, making Burrow’s jersey not just a uniform but a visual narrative of his journey.

Why Does Joe Burrow Wear Number 9?

When you are a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals or the LSU Tigers, you probably know that Joe Burrow is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and college football history. But do you know why he wears the number 9 on his jersey?

Well, here are the reasons why Joe Burrow wears number 9:

LSU Legacy

Joe Burrow’s decision to wear the number 9 jersey is deeply connected to his standout college football career at Louisiana State University (LSU). 

In 2019, he led the LSU Tigers to an extraordinary season, culminating in both the Heisman Trophy and the national championship.

The number 9 became synonymous with his success on the college stage, and continuing to wear it in the NFL serves as a reminder of his achievements at LSU.

Drew Brees Influence

Another influential factor in Burrow’s choice of the number 9 is likely his admiration for NFL quarterback Drew Brees. 

Brees, a future Hall of Famer, wore the number 9 jersey throughout his illustrious career with the New Orleans Saints. 

By donning the same number, Burrow not only pays homage to one of his football idols but also carries forward the legacy associated with the number 9 in the NFL.

Comfort and Confidence

Beyond the statistical and symbolic aspects, there’s a personal element to the choice of jersey number. Athletes often develop a sense of comfort and confidence with specific numbers. 

Burrow’s preference for the number 9 may be rooted in the way it feels and the positive associations he has with it, contributing to his overall sense of empowerment on the field.

Positive Association

The number 9, for Burrow, represents more than just a numerical identifier. It serves as a positive symbol linked to his triumphs and successes. 

This contrasts with his experience wearing the number 10 during his time at Ohio State, where he didn’t secure a starting position. 

The number 9, therefore, becomes a deliberate choice to focus on the positive aspects of his football journey.

Holistic Symbolism

Ultimately, the number 9 holds a holistic significance for Joe Burrow. It encapsulates his journey from college stardom to the professional stage, embodying his successes, influences, and personal connection to the game. 

In choosing to continue wearing the number 9, Burrow carries with him not just a jersey but a narrative of achievement and the pursuit of excellence in his football career.

Why Does Joe Burrow Not Have His Name on His Jersey?

Why Does Joe Burrow Not Have His Name on His Jersey?

In the realm of professional football, every detail of a player’s uniform is meticulously planned, from the team colors to the player’s name proudly displayed on the back of the jersey. 

However, for Cincinnati Bengals’ star quarterback Joe Burrow, his jersey stands out for an unexpected reason – the absence of his name. 

This peculiar choice has left fans and media speculating on the reasons behind the blank jersey.

Let’s explore the unique story behind why Joe Burrow opts to play without his name on his jersey in key points:

Oversight and Prioritization

Joe Burrow’s omission of his name on the jersey stems from a genuine oversight. Burrow openly admitted that he was engrossed in the complexities of studying the playbook and preparing for the season, causing him to overlook the administrative aspect of specifying his name and number preferences. 

This highlights his intense dedication to the strategic and performance-oriented aspects of the game.

Lack of Concern for Jersey Details

Burrow’s nonchalant attitude towards the contents of his jersey suggests a player more focused on substance than style. 

He has conveyed that the visual details of his uniform are secondary to his passion for playing football and contributing to his team’s victories. This underscores his humility and team-oriented mindset.

Curiosity and Amusement

The absence of a name on Burrow’s jersey has not gone unnoticed, leading to speculation and amusement among fans and media alike. 

While some laud his commitment to the game, others engage in playful banter, weaving humorous narratives about potential motives behind the blank jersey, adding an element of light-hearted intrigue to the situation.

Trademark or Superstition

Trademark or Superstition

The idea that Burrow might adopt the nameless jersey as a personal trademark or superstition introduces an intriguing dimension. 

It implies the potential for a distinctive personal touch or ritual that could become synonymous with Burrow’s identity in the league, showcasing the individualistic and superstitious aspects that players sometimes incorporate into their routines.

Burrow’s Response

Joe Burrow’s response to the curiosity surrounding his jersey is characterized by a calm and collected demeanor. 

While he acknowledges the attention, he expresses a lack of urgency in rectifying the situation, emphasizing that having his name on the jersey is not a top priority for him.

This underscores his unassuming approach and focuses on on-field performance over external perceptions.

Impressive Rookie Season

Burrow’s rookie season, despite being cut short by a knee injury, has been nothing short of impressive. 

His on-field prowess, marked by poise, accuracy, and leadership, has earned him recognition as a frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 

This speaks volumes about his skill set and adaptability in making a significant impact in the NFL early in his career.

Reflecting Burrow’s Personality

The decision to go nameless on the jersey inadvertently aligns with Burrow’s known personality traits. 

Described as humble, hard-working, and confident, he appears unperturbed by the external trappings of celebrity. 

The blank jersey, while unintentional, has become a distinctive aspect of Burrow’s journey, symbolizing his dedication to the sport rather than a pursuit of individual recognition. 

It reflects a player more concerned with making a name for himself through performance rather than the literal display on his uniform.

Bengals Number 9 History

Bengals Number 9 History

The Cincinnati Bengals’ number 9 jersey has become synonymous with the transformative presence of Joe Burrow, the team’s star quarterback.

Since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow has not only left an indelible mark on the franchise but has also brought renewed hope and promise to Bengals fans.

Burrow’s Impactful Rookie Season

Wearing the number 9 jersey, Joe Burrow’s impact was immediately felt during his rookie season in 2020. 

Despite a season-ending knee injury in Week 11, Burrow showcased remarkable poise, accuracy, and leadership on the field. 

His performances made a compelling case for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and solidified his status as a franchise quarterback.

Connection to LSU Success

The significance of the number 9 jersey goes beyond Burrow’s NFL career. During his college tenure at LSU, Burrow also donned the number 9, achieving unparalleled success. 

In 2019, he led LSU to an undefeated season, securing the national championship and earning the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

Continuity from College to the NFL

The number 9 jersey holds special significance as it represents the continuity of success from Burrow’s college days to his professional career with the Bengals. 

The choice to continue wearing the number 9 symbolizes a seamless transition and a commitment to building upon past achievements.

A Symbol of Success

While other players in Bengals’ history have worn the number 9 jersey, its significance reached new heights with Joe Burrow’s arrival. 

The number has become a symbol of success, optimism, and a promising future for the franchise.

Potential Legacy

As Joe Burrow continues to lead the Bengals, the number 9 jersey has the potential to solidify itself in the franchise’s history. Success on the field, potential playoff appearances, and aspirations for a Super Bowl victory could establish the number 9 as an iconic symbol of triumph for Bengals fans.

Joe Burrow Number LSU

Joe Burrow wore the number 9 jersey during his college football career at Louisiana State University (LSU). 

His association with the number 9 became particularly significant during the 2019 season, which proved to be a historic and record-breaking year for both Burrow and the LSU Tigers.

In the 2019 season, Burrow led the LSU Tigers to an undefeated 15-0 record, culminating in a national championship victory. 

This remarkable season also saw Burrow receiving the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. 

His on-field performances were characterized by exceptional passing accuracy, poise under pressure, and leadership qualities.

The number 9 jersey, worn by Burrow, became iconic during this period. It represented not only his individual achievements but also the collective success of the LSU football program. 

The significance of the number 9 for Burrow extended beyond the field; it symbolized excellence, dedication, and a winning mentality.

FAQS

What Is Joe Burrows Jersey Number?

Joe Burrows’s jersey number is 9.

Why does Joe Burrow wear number 9?

Joe Burrow wears number 9 as a nod to his successful college football career at Louisiana State University (LSU). 

He wore the same number during the historic 2019 season when he led LSU to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy.

Is there any significance to the number 9 for Joe Burrow?

Yes, the number 9 holds personal and symbolic significance for Joe Burrow. 

It represents the achievements, excellence, and winning mentality associated with his standout season at LSU.

Did Joe Burrow wear number 9 at any other point in his football career?

Yes, Joe Burrow wore number 9 not only during his college days at LSU but also in the NFL as the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Are there other influences on Joe Burrow’s choice of number 9?

Beyond his LSU connection, Joe Burrow also chose the number 9 jersey in admiration of NFL quarterback Drew Brees, who wore the same number for the New Orleans Saints. Brees served as a childhood hero for Burrow.

Did Joe Burrow consider other jersey numbers when transitioning to the NFL?

Yes, there were considerations for other jersey numbers, particularly number 10, which Burrow wore during his time at Ohio State. 

However, he ultimately opted for number 9, citing a preference for the positive memories and successes associated with that number in his career.

Last Words

Joe Burrow’s choice to wear the number 9 jersey extends beyond a mere numerical preference. It encapsulates a narrative of triumph and continuity, representing the unparalleled success he achieved at LSU during the 2019 season. 

The number 9 signifies not only individual excellence but also a commitment to sustaining a winning mentality from college to the professional stage. 

Influenced by his admiration for Drew Brees and a desire to honor LSU’s legacy, Burrow’s jersey becomes a symbolic link between past accomplishments and future aspirations. 

Beyond the digits, it’s a visual reminder of a quarterback’s journey marked by dedication, achievement, and a pursuit of greatness in the NFL.

Photo of author

John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn