Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is well-known for his confidence, ruthless competitive edge, and composed demeanor under immense pressure.However, the personality fans see on the gridiron may not tell his whole story. Burrow revealed another side of himself while speaking with former NFL safety Ryan Clark on The Pivot Podcast in 2024.Burrow’s revelation offered a glimpse into how his mindset changes as he prepares for an NFL game. This discussion has resurfaced online right after a broader conversation about NFL players’ mental health.Ryan Clark recently defended former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson for choosing mental health over football. Clark even challenged longtime ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith for his criticism on Johnson’s midseason retirement.
Joe Burrow reveals his different side on The Pivot Podcast
During the 2024 podcast conversation, Ryan Clark asked Joe Burrow why he did not have his parents, Jimmy and Robin Burrow, visit his house on the Saturday before a game.The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback explained that his mindset changes once the weekend reaches game preparation time. “That’s game time. That’s a different – once Saturday hits, that’s a different Joe [Burrow] now,” he said.Although he loves his parents and wants to be present with them, Burrow admitted that he can become difficult to be around as he prepares for a game. His focus shifts toward football, leaving him with limited time and energy to give to others, for that matter, even his parents.“And I don’t…like I love my parents and want to be present with them, but when it’s time to get ready for a game, I might not be the most pleasant person to be around, and I don’t have a lot of myself to give to anybody else,” he added.Burrow’s revelation highlights the personal discipline and razor-sharp mental focus required to play professional football.This commitment also shows that family relationships, even with those who brought you into this world, may quickly take a back seat when a player prepares for football – out of the sheer pressure of competition.While on one side, Joe Burrow gives up on his family for football with a firm football-focused mindset, the other side shows Lane Johnson choosing midseason football retirement after a 2-2 record for his mental health and family relationships.Ryan Clark cleverly identified both the players and put them forth before us through his Pivot Podcast. We know Burrow’s stance; now let’s check out Johnson’s story.
Ryan Clark defends Lane Johnson before Stephen A. Smith
Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson announced his retirement on October 6, 2026. He played 14 seasons for the Eagles and cited his mental health and family priorities as key contributors to his retirement.This midseason abrupt retirement decision quickly invited criticism from ESPN’s First Take longtime host Stephen A. Smith.Smith questioned Johnson’s decision, citing Philadelphia’s gridiron struggles and key player absences like that of DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown. Stephen A. Smith also reportedly referred to Johnson’s mental health in a sarcastic tone. Ryan Clark challenged Smith’s cutthroat response.“Lane Johnson’s football career has been about intent and impact. And I think more people should understand that your intent doesn’t matter, it’s about your impact. It’s about what people see in you. How you’ve changed people’s lives,” Clark said.Clark emphasized the significance of taking NFL players’ mental health concerns seriously. Stephen A. Smith later apologized to Lane Johnson and the Philadelphia Eagles, taking responsibility for how his comments were perceived.
