‘Poetic Justice’: Joe Burrow Silences Critics After Broadcaster Slammed Him for Attending a Friend’s Memorial

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow made headlines this week both on and off the field.

Burrow was criticized by a national NFL broadcaster for missing a team walkthrough to attend the memorial service of a close friend.

The broadcaster questioned the decision during a pregame show, calling it “weird” for a franchise quarterback in the middle of the season to step away unless it was for immediate family.

Burrow’s Response on the Field

Less than 24 hours later, Burrow delivered the perfect answer. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals’ leader threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns, leading Cincinnati to a 30–17 win that snapped their two-game losing streak and reignited their AFC North campaign.

After the game, Burrow calmly stood by his choice.
“Some things matter more than football. I’ll never regret being there for the people who mean the most to me,” he told reporters.

Backlash and Support

The broadcaster’s remarks drew heavy backlash across social media, with fans and analysts blasting the comments as tone-deaf. Bengals teammates rallied around Burrow.

Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase said: “That’s Joe. He shows up for people off the field, then he shows up for us on the field. That’s leadership.”

One fan summed it up best on X:
“They tried to shame Joe Burrow for attending a memorial. Tonight, he torched the Steelers for 3 TDs. Poetic justice.”