The Cincinnati Bengals fell just short of securing a playoff spot this season, prompting Joe Burrow to issue an apology to fans.
Despite a slow start, the Bengals fought hard late in the season, winning their final five games in a determined push for the playoffs.
Their efforts included a critical victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, which kept their postseason hopes alive heading into Sunday’s games. However, the Kansas City Chiefs’ blowout loss to the Denver Broncos, a game in which the Chiefs rested their starters, ultimately dashed Cincinnati’s chances.
For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the season ended in disappointment. Joe Burrow took to social media to express his regret to fans, writing, “Season to remember, sorry you won’t get to watch anymore. Year 5 in the books,” in an Instagram post on Monday morning.
The team’s struggles, however, were not due to Burrow’s performance. He delivered MVP-level numbers all season, leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns while ranking in the top five for quarterback rating and completion percentage.
Notably, the Bengals lost four games this year despite Burrow and the offense scoring 30 or more points in those matchups—a league-high statistic.
Needless to say, fans did not think they were owed an apology.
“Don’t ever apologize again you did your THING till the end,” one fan wrote in the comments.
“You played your heart out!” someone else said.
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” another person wrote.
“Don’t be sorry Joe,” someone else said.
“My MVP no matter what!” another fan commented
“You deserved better Joe, thank you for giving us hope,” someone else added.
It will be interesting to see how the Bengals respond and rebound next year.