Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Joe Burrow shares basketball roots and NFL journey before Steelers matchup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 27, 2026, 1:31 PM

Last updated Sep 27, 2026

Joe Burrow shares basketball roots and NFL journey before Steelers matchup

Summary

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow discussed his early fascination with basketball on 'The Gronk & Jules Show', revealing his favorite players were LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tracy McGrady. He did not list Michael Jordan among his influences. Burrow noted that his interest in football grew later, particularly after Reggie Bush was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. As the Bengals prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, Burrow returned to full practice after dealing with back tightness, aiming for a 3-0 start this season.

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By the Numbers

•Burrow identified as a 'basketball guy' growing up.
•His NFL interest peaked with Reggie Bush on the Saints.
•Burrow practiced fully Friday after earlier limitations.
•Bengals are 2-0 and face the Steelers on Sunday.

Latest Updates

1:31 PMYahoo Sports — “I Was More Of A Basketball Guy”: Joe Burrow Ditches Michael Jordan While Naming NBA Heroes Before Switching To Football

What they're saying

"
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow did not grow up obsessed with football. He was a hoops guy. Appearing on Wednesday on “The Gronk & Jules Show,” Burrow shared one of his secrets – he focused primarily on basketball during his youth before shifting his focus to the gridiron. Joe Burrow Skips Michael Jordan When asked […] The post “I Was More Of A Basketball Guy”: Joe Burrow Ditches Michael Jordan While Naming NBA Heroes Before Switching To Football appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns New Orleans Saints Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Football

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External links

Yahoo SportsSep 27, 2026, 1:31 PM
“I Was More Of A Basketball Guy”: Joe Burrow Ditches Michael Jordan While Naming NBA Heroes Before Switching To Football
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow did not grow up obsessed with football. He was a hoops guy. Appearing on Wednesday on “The Gronk & Jules Show,” Burrow shared one of his secrets – he focused primarily on basketball during his youth before shifting his focus to the gridiron. Joe Burrow Skips Michael Jordan When asked […] The post “I Was More Of A Basketball Guy”: Joe Burrow Ditches Michael Jordan While Naming NBA Heroes Before Switching To Football appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.

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