The Cincinnati Bengals fell short of playoff contention in 2024, wasting what might have been quarterback Joe Burrow’s finest season as a pro.
Having won only nine games, Burrow did not have a real shot to win the Most Valuable Player Award, and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley’s 2,000-yard campaign locked up Offensive Player of the Year (he finished fourth and fifth, respectively). He did manage to add to his hardware anyway by beating out running back J.K. Dobbins and quarterback Sam Darnold to win Comeback Player of the Year.
Those were announced shortly before the Super Bowl. On Tuesday, Burrow learned that he had won another award.
The Bengals quarterback won the 2025 George Halas Award, as voted on by the Professional Football Writers of America.
The award is meant to honor a player, coach, or staff member who overcame significant adversity in a given season.
Cincinnati had no shortage of adversity in 2024 – even if some of it was self-imposed. Burrow dealt with uncertainty due to the wrist injury that ended his 2023 campaign. He managed to come back stronger, leading the league in completions (460), attempts (652), yards (4,918), and touchdowns (43).
All the while, Burrow had more high-intensity pass attempts than anybody on the planet. The Bengals managed to lose four games while scoring 30+ points, a mark that includes two losses to the Baltimore Ravens despite Burrow throwing for a combined 820 yards.
Burrow was the driving force behind a five-game win streak that nearly saved Cincinnati’s season. With his back against the wall, he consistently delivered, and the AFC breathed a collective sigh of relief when he didn’t get enough help in Week 18 to get into the dance.
Darnold, Dobbins, and former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb were the finalists for the award. Other Bengals to win the award include Tim Krumrie (1990) and Mike Zimmer (2010).
Winning the award won’t rectify the missed opportunity from a season ago, but it’s clear Burrow didn’t lose any respect for his performance.