In a challenging 2025 season for the Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow and the team missed the postseason for the third straight year, posting their worst record since Burrow’s rookie campaign in 2020. Burrow’s injury-shortened stretch—suffering a turf toe that sidelined him for nine games—contributed to a 1-8 run and dashed playoff hopes after an initial 2-0 start.
Burrow returned late in the season and helped spark a notable win over Baltimore, but two late interceptions in the Buffalo game and a subsequent shutout loss to the Ravens sealed Cincinnati’s fate. After the loss in Buffalo, Burrow publicly reflected on his approach, noting that enjoying the process is essential to continuing at a high level, emphasizing it was a personal message rather than a jab at his team.
Beyond the field, Burrow announced a new off-field development: he and his parents, Jimmy and Robin Burrow, are stepping away from their ownership stake in a professional volleyball venture. The Burrows had been founding partners in the indoor league’s growth and held a stake in the Columbus Fury, which launched in 2024. League leadership acknowledged the Burrows’ early support and role in developing professional women’s volleyball.
Burrow has long shown interest in volleyball through his family’s involvement, and he has pursued other athletic ventures, including participating in flag football events with aspirations toward the 2028 Olympic team. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was coy about Burrow’s potential flag football future, noting that such decisions would be managed by future coaching staff.
As Burrow shifts focus to longstanding on-field responsibilities and his evolving off-field interests, the Bengals will look to rebuild around their franchise quarterback as they plan for the next season. The quarterback’s leadership and performance will remain central to Cincinnati’s plans after a year marked by injuries and postseason absence.
