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Joe Burrow learning how to play piano to help rehab injured wrist

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Social Links for Bradley Locker
Published July 5, 2024, 3:51 p.m. ET

Joe Burrow has some amusing nicknames — Joe Shiesty and Joe Brrrr, to name a few — and it’s possible Joe-hann Sebastian Bach will be the latest addition to the lineup.

Speaking recently with Complex Sports, the Bengals quarterback shared he’s taken up learning how to play the piano, claiming it’s assisted his injury rehab.

“Hopefully I can get pretty good at that by next offseason,” Burrow said. “I guess it’ll be pretty tough during the season, but it’s helped my rehab too for my wrist, so that’s something I want to get good at.”

Joe Burrow speaks during a Bengals press conference in June 2024.
Joe Burrow speaks during a Bengals press conference in June 2024. AP
Joe Burrow AMIRI SPRING-SUMMER 2025 RUNWAY SHOW
Burrow’s other offseason activities have included attending Paris Fashion Week. Pierrick Rocher/BFA.com/Shutterstock

The former No. 1 overall pick tore a ligament in his throwing wrist against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11, an ailment that curtailed his 2023 season after just 10 games.

Burrow, 27, called now an “opportune time” and the “perfect storm” to combine the skill of coordinating keys with ensuring full functionality in his right wrist.

In the contests he did play last year, Burrow was solid but not his exceptional self.

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback ended the season with an offensive grade of only 77.9, according to Pro Football Focus, which was 15th among quarterbacks with 400 or more dropbacks — not to mention well below his grade of 91.8 or higher from 2021-22.

Burrow was only 17th in adjusted expected points added per play during the 11 weeks he suited up in 2023.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) emerges from the examination tent before running to the locker room with an apparent hand injury in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
The former college national champion had his 2023 season ended after only 10 games, sinking the Bengals’ ship. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Without their franchise quarterback, the Bengals ended the season at 9-8, missing the playoffs after reaching the AFC Championship in the previous two seasons.

While having Burrow back will be a massive boon to Cincinnati’s title aspirations, the organization will also need to overcome several foundational changes.

In terms of personnel, former Pro Bowl running back and offensive workhorse Joe Mixon was traded to the Texans and replaced by Zack Moss.

Joe Burrow during Bengals OTAs in May 2024.
Joe Burrow during Bengals OTAs in May 2024. AP

Defensively, Cincinnati will be without disruptive lineman D.J. Reader and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.

There will also be adjustments to coaching following offensive coordinator Brian Callahan’s departure for Tennessee, where he’s now serving as the Titans’ head coach.

At full strength, Cincinnati is in position to contend with the reigning champion Chiefs, plus the Ravens, Texans, Dolphins and Jets for the AFC crown.

There’s a good shot Burrow returns to form in 2024 to propel another deep Cincy playoff run — except maybe now with tunes he plays himself.