Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has always been known for leading by example rather than with words.
However, with the team off to a winless start in the NFL after three games, the 27-year-old has acknowledged that it’s time to step up vocally ahead of their matchup against the Carolina Panthers this weekend.
Burrow plans to speak up at the right moments as they prepare for Sunday’s game and he feels that more vocal leadership could benefit the team’s younger players in particular.
Speaking to the media, he said: “I’m usually a lead-by-example kind of guy.
“But I think I can pick my spots to say some more things. I’ll find those spots this week.
“We got a lot of young guys that we’re counting on that haven’t really been here before.
Joe Burrow speaks to the media going into Week 4 https://t.co/wVBgis7dMI
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 25, 2024
“To have them hear my voice more might be beneficial.”
The Bengals, currently 0-3, are off to their worst start since 2019 the season, before drafting Burrow as the No. 1 overall pick.
Since then, they have reached consecutive AFC Championship games, even making a Super Bowl appearance in 2021.
But with their current struggles, Burrow insists the post-season is not on his mind right now and the Bengals head coach Zac Taylor backed his star to get the job done when it matters.
He said: “That’s the beauty of Joe Burrow.
“He’s not going to be somebody he’s not. He’s not going to force something.
“He’s going to be genuine. He knows the right time to speak his mind and lead in certain ways.”
