The idea Joe Burrow might pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Cincinnati Bengals if drafted No. 1 was inevitable.
While that sort of speculation isn’t uncommon for any team with the first pick, it was bound to be especially potent for a small-market team like the Bengals.
But the rarity of an Eli Manning situation seems to hinge more on the prospect than the destination at times — and Burrow just seems unlikely to pull off such a controversial maneuver.
In pretty much any and every interview so far, Burrow has made it clear he’s just happy to be in the running for a top selection at all. Burrow wants a team committed to winning Super Bowls, yes, but there isn’t anything close to suggesting that was a shot at what is essentially his hometown team.
And the local storyline has to come into play here. Burrow grew up hardly three hours away in Athens, where his father coached. There’s big appeal to being near family, something his family has confirmed.
Speaking of family, there’s this note from Fox 19’s Jeremy Rauch to consider:
Family source also tells me Joe Burrow would never “pull an Eli Manning” if drafted No. 1 by the #Bengals.
The family has been a bit annoyed by that narrative.
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) January 23, 2020
As much as the national perspective would love the drama of an Eli Manning situation with Joe Burrow, there are too many things working in the other direction. And for pretty much any quarterback, joining a coaching staff with multiple former quarterbacks, as well as skill position weapons like Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd, Giovani Bernard, John Ross and perhaps A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert — plus perhaps free agents and draft picks — has to sound pretty good. Don’t forget he’s already good friends with some of the players, such as Ohio State pal Sam Hubbard.
And knowing Burrow’s competitive edge, the challenge of being the savior of his hometown franchise and the legacy-building chances might be pretty appealing.
Granted, a lot can happen between now and the draft. Things change in the blink of an eye during the draft process. But Eli-Burrow talk is just that — talk during the chattiest portion of the NFL schedule.
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