Joe Burrow early retirement? Bengals QB’s pensive press conference causes Andrew Luck comparisons

Jake Mozarsky

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Joe Burrow early retirement? Bengals QB’s pensive press conference causes Andrew Luck comparisons image

The question was simple, but the answer from Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was anything but. In a mid-week press conference -- held on his 29th birthday, no less -- the franchise star offered a stunningly honest, reflective and even cryptic assessment of his football journey, stating plainly: "If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it. I’ve been through a lot. And if it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?"

The comments, following a season plagued by his third major injury and the team’s subsequent playoff long shot status, immediately sparked widespread debate. Are they simply the candid reflections of a competitor dealing with a frustrating season and a weary body, or do they hint at deeper soul-searching and a potential questioning of his future in the NFL?

With the full toll of his relentless injury history and a tough 2025 campaign clearly weighing on his mind, the words of the usually unflappable quarterback have shifted the narrative from the Bengals’ playoff race to the state of Burrow's well-being and commitment to the game. It's also started comparisons of another former No. 1 pick who stepped away from football early: Andrew Luck.

Here's what Burrow said and why it's driving comparisons to the former Indianapolis Colts QB.

MORE: NFL insider says teams "taking notice" after Joe Burrow's comments

Joe Burrow press conference

Burrow made noise around the NFL on Wednesday with a reflection on his football career, saying "if it's not fun, what am I doing it for?"

"If I want to keep doing this, then what am I trying to do with myself? And I have to have fun doing it. You know, if it's not fun, then what am I doing it for?" Burrow said. "So, that's the mindset. I'm not sure there was a singular moment or time. It's reflection --reflection on a lot of things that I've done and been through in my career, I think. And I've been through more than most. Certainly not easy on the brain or body, so just trying to have fun doing it again." 

When asked if he was frustrated, Burrow then went on to say "there's just a lot of things going on right now," saying all of the above when asked if it was football-related or personal. 

Burrow's No. 1 receiver and long-time teammate Ja'Marr Chase was shocked by Burrow's answer, saying he asked himself if it was AI. When speaking to reporters, Chase said Burrow has been the same.

"At the end of the day, I see him the same every day," Chase said. "To me, he loves football, but that’s a him question. I can’t answer that for him... From what I see, I see the same person every day. He comes to work, and he loves work. He doesn't look like he's bummed to be here." 

Chase said there's nothing wrong with showing a little emotion and Burrow loves the game.

MORE: Ja'Marr Chase left in shock after Joe Burrow comments

Is Joe Burrow retiring?

While Wednesday's comments have some wondering about potential retirement, Burrow has not stated any plans to soon.

In fact, when directly asked about the future of his tenure in Cincinnati, Burrow reaffirmed his commitment, stating that he fully intends to be the Bengals' quarterback for a long time. His focus, he clarified, is simply recalibrating his perspective to ensure he maintains the joy necessary to endure the physical and mental rigors of a demanding NFL career, especially in the wake of his significant injury history.

He emphasized the importance of enjoying the process to sustain his elite performance and dedication to the team.

MORE: Joe Burrow leaves Bengals fan worried

How old was Andrew Luck when he retired?

Luck was 29 years old, the same age Burrow is now, when he announced his retirement from the NFL on August 24, 2019. 

This decision, made just two weeks before the start of the 2019 regular season, sent shockwaves across the sports world, as he was considered one of the league's top quarterbacks and was coming off a 2018 season where he was named the Comeback Player of the Year.

The primary reason he cited for his sudden departure was the emotional and physical toll the continuous cycle of injury, pain, and rehabilitation had taken on him. In his emotional press conference, he stated that the relentless grind had stripped him of the joy of playing football and that he needed to step away to pursue a life where he was no longer constantly in pain.

MORE: Joe Burrow's comments sound eerily familiar to Andrew Luck retirement speech

Joe Burrow sacks vs. Andrew Luck

Here is Joe Burrow and Andrew Luck's stats, side-by-side. Burrow has played 14 fewer games but has endured significantly more sacks. 

StatisticAndrew Luck (Career: 2012–2018)Joe Burrow (Career: 2020–2025)
GP8672
Passing Yards23,67119,451
TD171144
INT8346
Completion % 60.8%68.2%
Passer Rating89.5100.7
Total Sacks 174202
Rushing Yards1,590973
Regular season record53-33-0 (.616)41-31-1 (.568)
Postseason record4-4 (.500)5-2 (.714)

MORE: Colts QB timeline since Andrew Luck

When is Joe Burrow’s contract up?

Burrow's current contract with the Bengals is a five-year extension that runs through the 2029 season.

Burrow's current contract is a five-year, $275 million extension he signed with the Bengals in September 2023, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time, with an average annual value (AAV) of $55 million. The deal is designed to run through the 2029 season, after which he is currently scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030.

The fully guaranteed money covers his base salaries and option bonuses through the 2025 season, with his 2026 and 2027 compensation guaranteed for injury and fully guaranteed on specific dates in those years. This structure means the majority of his earnings are protected from injury, a critical factor given his history. 

MORE: Is Tee Higgins playing in Week 15?

News Correspondent