Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback everyone knows and loves, has some seriously supportive parents behind him—Jimmy and Robin Burrow. Growing up in Athens, Ohio, Joe had his family cheering him on every step of the way. His dad, Jimmy, a former football player and coach, and his mom, Robin, a retired school principal, were always there to back him up. Their influence has been huge in shaping the man—and athlete—that Joe is today.
Jimmy’s no stranger to football. He played at the University of Nebraska before moving on to the NFL and CFL. After hanging up his cleats, he became a coach, spending over a decade as Ohio University’s defensive coordinator. Robin, on the other hand, spent her career working in education, mostly as an elementary school principal. Together, they gave Joe a solid foundation in both football and life, supporting him in every way they could. And their pride in him? It’s clear.
Robin once said, “It is unbelievable. It is like literally you can’t put into words how proud I am of Joe for everything he’s accomplished.”
Joe’s parents aren’t just fans; they’re actively involved in his mission to give back. In 2022, Joe launched the Joe Burrow Foundation to tackle food insecurity and support kids’ mental health in Ohio and Louisiana. Jimmy helps run the foundation as vice president, and Robin takes care of the finances as secretary and treasurer. It’s a family effort to make a real difference, and they’re off to a great start, including paying medical bills for families in need. It’s just another way they show how proud they are of Joe and everything he stands for.
A Proud Family That’s Always Had Joe Burrow’s Back
Joe’s parents have been there for him through thick and thin. Jimmy made the big decision to retire from coaching early just so he could attend every single one of Joe’s senior season games at LSU. Meanwhile, Robin was the kind of mom who would drive up to Ohio State to do Joe’s laundry and bring him vanilla ice cream when he was recovering from an injury. It’s the little things like that that really made a difference for Joe, letting him focus on his game without worrying about the small stuff.
As for advice, Joe gets the best of both worlds. Jimmy, with his coaching experience, gives him solid football tips like protecting the ball and making good decisions. Robin, on the other hand, has a more life-centered approach. She encourages Joe to enjoy the ride, stay confident, and have fun with his teammates. It’s this balance of football wisdom and life guidance that has kept Joe grounded and focused on what really matters.
The Burrow family’s connection to Ohio runs deep, and it’s clear they’re proud of their roots. They’ve lived in Athens since 2005, and it’s a place they love dearly. Jimmy said it best, “Joe, Robin, and I, we love Athens, we love Ohio, we love the Bengals, and we love all the people.” Their unmatched support for each other and their community has played a huge role in Joe’s success. And no matter where his career takes him, that support will always be the foundation he builds on.
