As Joe Burrow arrived for the start of training camp on Tuesday, the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback donned a new look.
Gone are Burrow’s signature longer locks — which he had grown out over the course of this past offseason — replaced by a shaved head that has been died blonde.
As the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner’s new look made its way across social media, many were quick to weigh in. That included WWE champion — and fellow fake blonde — Cody Rhodes, who reposted a photoshopped picture of Burrow donning his signature neck tattoo and championship title.
“Time to finish your story this season @JoeyB,” Rhodes wrote, along with a trophy emoji.
Time to finish your story this season @JoeyB 🏆 @Toms_Customs pic.twitter.com/MwIQE5FVcC
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) July 23, 2024
While Rhodes’ post was humorous, his own “story” shares some interesting parallels to Burrow’s. After suffering a torn pectoral muscle in 2022, Rhodes returned to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 in 2023, before finally defeating “The Tribal Chief” for the WWE title at WrestleMania 40 earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Burrow is coming off an injury of his own, having suffered a right wrist injury that required surgery and cost him the final seven games of the 2023 season. Time will tell whether the LSU product will follow suit and “finish his story” by leading Cincinnati to its first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.