Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is known for his laser focus and stoic preparation before big games, but even his most loyal fans were surprised by his latest revelation., The 27-year-old star admitted he avoids all social interactions the day before a matchup, including his parents. “ Burrow said.
“When it’s time to get ready for a game, I might not be the most pleasant person to be around.”
🚨WILD🚨
Joe Burrow does NOT LET HIS PARENTS SEE HIM the day before a game because he is locked in and a crazy man.
“Saturday hits, that’s a different Joe now, When it’s time to get ready for a game, I might not be the most pleasant person to be around”pic.twitter.com/e4bmH3K6gX
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 1, 2025
Why Joe Burrow Cuts Off His Parents Every Saturday?
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’s comments shed light on how intensely he manages his mental space before stepping onto the field. He explained that Saturday is when he mentally flips the switch into game mode, and for him, that means shutting out nearly everyone. Despite being close to his family, Burrow makes no exceptions.
“Once Saturday hits, that’s a different Joe,”Burrow told the hosts. “Now, I love my parents and want to be present with them, but when it’s time to get ready for a game, I might not be the most pleasant person to be around. I don’t have a lot of myself to give to anybody else, and so I want to go through my process. I want to go through my thoughts. I want to be alone with my thoughts and thinking about what I need to think about to go out and succeed on Sundays.”
The Bengals quarterback’s extreme pre-game isolation may sound cold, but his parents reportedly understand his mindset. They recognize that this hyper-focused approach is part of what makes Burrow one of the league’s most composed signal-callers. His unconventional preparation routine has clearly paid off.
Burrow also reflected on how past injuries reshaped his approach to training. After recovering from a wrist issue, he learned to listen more closely to his body. “At some point there’s some diminishing returns on the back end of that,” he said. “And so that’s kind of what I realized this offseason, was, if my body is telling me, ‘Hey, you need a day.’”
Reactions online were mixed after Burrow’s remarks surfaced. Some fans empathized with his focus, while others questioned his intensity.
One user commented,“Nothing wrong w hyper focus. We all prepare in our own ways.”
Another, less convinced, wrote,“Sad actually and it would benefit him to attack in a more positive way. Hurts him and the team.”
Othersbrushed off the criticism, calling Burrow’s demeanor part of his edge.
“Buddy cold blooded,” onefan noted,
while another added skeptically,“Sounds make believe.”
Whether admired or questioned, Burrow’s Saturday ritual captures the rare mindset of an elite quarterback, one who’s willing to sacrifice everything, even family time, in pursuit of perfection.