Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow recently opened up about the intense backlash he faced after wearing a controversial outfit to a fashion show in Paris last month.
Burrow drew significant attention when he walked the catwalk at the Vogue World Paris event in a backless black suit, a look that sparked widespread debate and criticism.
Conservative sports commentator Jason Whitlock was particularly vocal, lambasting Burrow’s outfit on his “Fearless” podcast. “Have you all seen this? Joe Burrow walking a runway in Paris, in a backless suit,” Whitlock remarked. “They’ve dressed this man up like a woman. They’ve dressed this man up like a woman.” Whitlock further suggested that Burrow’s participation was part of an effort to “push the sexual identity, the sexuality envelope.”
Now, weeks after his divisive appearance, Burrow has spoken about the harsh reactions and the extensive roasting he received in various group chats. Appearing on Barstool’s “Pardon My Take” podcast, Burrow revealed his thoughts on the outfit and the criticism that followed.
When asked if he was aware he would be wearing a backless suit, Burrow replied, “I showed up, and they gave it to me. And I said, ‘sure, why not?'” He admitted, “I’ve been roasted in just about every group chat I could possibly be roasted in. [But] I did look cool, and I was fully prepared for all of the criticism and roasting. I knew it was coming my way.”
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Burrow’s offseason hasn’t been easy. His 2023 NFL season ended prematurely due to a wrist injury in November, sidelining him for the remainder of the campaign. Without their star quarterback, the Bengals struggled and ultimately missed out on a postseason spot.
Reflecting on his time away from the field, Burrow acknowledged the challenges of staying relevant when not playing. “That’s what happens when you get hurt, though. You don’t play football, people forget about you,” he said. “If you’re not out there and people aren’t watching you, then there’s nothing to talk about. I’m going to give people something to talk about this year. I’m excited about it.”
Burrow has spent four seasons with the Bengals since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. His tenure has been marked by remarkable talent and unfortunate injuries. His rookie season was cut short after he tore his ACL and MCL in Week 11 against Washington. Despite these setbacks, Burrow has firmly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Burrow remains focused on proving his critics wrong and making a significant impact on the field. The Bengals and their fans are eager to see Burrow lead the team, hoping his return will signal a resurgence and a push for postseason success.
