Joe Burrow went viral Thursday night for looking “depressed” before the Bengals-Steelers game. The franchise quarterback stood alone on the field in street clothes. His face told the whole story of his zero energy.
Joe Burrow Goes Viral for Looking ‘Depressed’ During Bengals-Steelers TNF Showdown
Joe Burrow Goes Viral for Looking ‘Depressed’ During Bengals-Steelers TNF Showdown (Screenshot via: X/@NFL_DovKleiman)
Burrow is rehabbing a Grade 3 turf toe that required surgery and will be out until at least mid-December. For a competitor who led Cincy to back-to-back AFC Championship Games, watching from the sidelines hurts worse than the injury itself.
Joe Burrow Goes Viral for Looking ‘Depressed’ During Bengals-Steelers TNF Showdown
Before kickoff at Paycor Stadium, cameras caught Burrow standing in isolation. The signal-caller wasn’t interacting with teammates. He sported casual clothes and that bulky boot on his left foot. His messy haircut made him look even more disheveled.
NFL insider Dov Kleiman shared the footage on X with a caption, reading, “Heartbreaking: Bengals star QB Joe Burrow has gone viral for looking extremely depressed and upset while on the field pregame. You can see the pain on his face 😔💔”
Heartbreaking: Bengals star QB Joe Burrow has gone viral for looking extremely depressed and upset while on the field pregame.
You can see the pain on his face 😔💔
pic.twitter.com/dVjQnJe2A4
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 17, 2025
Fans immediately jumped in with their takes on Burrow’s mental state. Most showed zero sympathy for the quarterback banking $275 million over five years.
One fan wrote, “With his $300 million. So depressing….😢”
Another added, “Depressed Over Ruining $300 Million.”
The third joked, “Poor baby going home to seven figgies.”
A fourth claimed, “Can you blame him? He is looking more and more like a modern-day Andrew Luck. Great when he plays, but he cannot stop getting injured.”
The fifth cracked, “It is because he couldn’t get into the barber for a cut. He can’t see anything.”
The Bengals entered Week 7 at 2-4 after losing four straight since Burrow went down. Joe Flacco took over under center, but the 40-year-old backup couldn’t replicate what Joey Franchise brings to the attack. Thankfully, they won against the Steelers, which required everything from the team.
This Isn’t the First Time Fans Caught Burrow Looking Down
Back in July, Burrow went viral after fans spotted him walking alone in Beverly Hills looking “extremely sad.” A video surfaced on social media showing the quarterback strolling by himself through the California streets.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Joe Burrow has gone viral with fans concerned for him as he was spotted walking alone in Beverly Hills looking extremely sad.
Hopefully everything is okay 🙏
(via skylarensign_) pic.twitter.com/t7D8F0e5pA
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 4, 2025
His mood while walking led to concern among fans who thought he looked distraught and lonely. The July video was released during the offseason, when Burrow should’ve been relaxing and enjoying his summer.
Burrow’s body language in Beverly Hills mirrored what everyone witnessed Thursday night in Cincinnati. It was the same vacant expression, withdrawn energy, and vibe as someone carrying a heavy weight.