The memory of Andrew Luck’s stunning retirement lingers over the NFL, and now Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is in an equally uncomfortable position. Mike Greenberg of ESPN has delivered an interesting take, statistically comparing Burrow and Luck.
“Dan Olowski brought up a comparison that many people have made.”Is Joe Burrow, and I hate to even say it out loud, but is he sort of trending towards becoming the next Andrew Luck, someone who retires really young because of a variety of injuries?”, asked Greenberg (4:31).
“And here are the numbers. Joe Burrow has been sacked more times than Andrew Luck was in his NFL career. Luck lasted six years in the NFL before retiring. Burrow is in his sixth year. Just suffered his third severe injury. He’s out three months. So, let’s call it what it is. He’s out for the year. The idea that he’s coming back in late December seems extraordinarily unlikely. And it means a team season is over”, he further explained (4:44).
Recently, Burrow’s latest injury happened in the Week 2 matchup for the Bengals against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 14, 2025. Burrow was 7 of 13 on passes for 76 yards and 1 touchdown, but suffered a turf toe injury after he was sacked in the second quarter.
When Burrow went for an MRI, his worst fears were confirmed. He needs surgery on his injured left toe, and now Burrow’s season is over as he faces a recovery time of at least three months.
Joe Burrow’s Toe Injury Raises Concerns
This is Burrow’s third serious injury in his short career. In his rookie year in 2020, he suffered a horrific ACL tear, and he missed time during 2023 with a wrist ligament injury. The similarities to Luck’s history of injuries while he was in Indianapolis are uncanny.
According to ESPN’s on-screen comparison, there are also some other concerning statistics. Luck sustained about 828 total contacts in his career compared to Burrow’s 634. Burrow has been sacked about 210 times in his career; compare that to Luck, who was sacked 174 times in a full six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
Both quarterbacks are in their sixth NFL seasons; therefore, the comparison goes further than coincidence. The pressure percentages are similarly remarkable. Luck had pressure on 28 per cent of his drop-backs; Burrow stands at 27 per cent.
It will be interesting to see when Burrow returns from his injury and if he can achieve the same skills and effectiveness.
Also Read:
- NFL Fantasy Football Injury Tracker Week 3: All We Know About Key Stars’ Status Ft. Joe Burrow, Aaron Jones, And More
- ‘Should be Jeanty’: Fans React As Travis Hunter Cements Spot Among Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, And More With Historic Heisman Gesture
- Stop Forcing the Ball to Travis Hunter”: Fans React as Jaguars WR/CB’s First Possible TD Turns Sour vs. Joe Burrow’s Bengals
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
