Reports: Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow becomes highest-paid player in NFL history

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 11: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals speaks to the media during a practice for Super Bowl LVI at UCLA’s Drake Stadium on February 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

by: Justin Holbrock

Posted: Sep 7, 2023 / 09:07 PM EDT

Updated: Sep 7, 2023 / 09:17 PM EDT

CINCINNATI, Ohio (WCMH) — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is now the highest-paid player in NFL history, according to multiple reports.

Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million extension with the Bengals, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The extension includes $219.01 million guaranteed.

Burrow, who went to Athens High School and grew up in the Plains, is entering his fourth season in the NFL. He led the Bengals to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl appearance in 2021.

Joe Burrow’s last 5 years

2019: Wins National Championship and Heisman Trophy.
2020: Drafted No. 1 overall. Tears ACL in week 10 of rookie season.
2021: Named Comeback Player of the Year, reaches Super Bowl.
2022: Reaches AFC Championship Game.
2023: Lands biggest contract in NFL history.

During his three years, Burrow has thrown for 11,774 yards, 82 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 68.2%

Cincinnati drafted Burrow No. 1 overall in 2020 NFL Draft after he led the LSU Tigers to a perfect season in which he also won the Heisman Trophy. Part of Burrow’s acceptance speech included food scarcity and poverty in rural Appalachia. His heartfelt words led to more than $500,000 being donated to the Athens County Food Pantry.

Burrow and the Bengals begin their 2023 campaign in Cleveland when Cincinnati faces the Browns at 1:00 p.m.