Legendary LSU football coach Joe Burrow counsels players to go wherever financial possibilities are most available.

Joe Burrow, the legendary LSU quarterback, is known for many things—his unshakable leadership, his immense talent, and his meteoric rise to stardom. However, in addition to his football prowess, Burrow has made headlines for his candid, often refreshing, takes on the modern landscape of college football and professional athletics. One of his most notable pieces of advice for current college players? “Go wherever they are paying you the most.”

While this advice may seem blunt or even controversial to some, it reflects the new reality in college athletics—a world where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have redefined how student-athletes navigate their collegiate careers. Burrow’s words echo a changing ethos in college sports that puts more power in the hands of players to dictate where and how they play, how much they earn, and what their career trajectory looks like. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, many players now have the ability to capitalize on their skills and marketability in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

Burrow’s guidance, though simple, speaks to the growing importance of financial stability and personal agency in an era where NIL deals can significantly impact a player’s decision to attend a particular school or enter the professional ranks. In this piece, we’ll examine Burrow’s perspective in depth, exploring the context behind his words, how NIL has altered the college sports ecosystem, and the implications of such advice for both players and the college football world as a whole.

Joe Burrow’s Journey to Success

Before we delve into Burrow’s advice, it’s important to consider the journey that has shaped his views on college football and NIL. Burrow, who was born in Ames, Iowa, and raised in Ohio, came to LSU after a standout career at Ohio State. After transferring to LSU in 2018, Burrow took the college football world by storm, leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2019 and winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in the process.

Burrow’s 2019 season remains one of the greatest individual seasons in college football history. He threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, while leading LSU to a 15-0 record. Under Burrow’s leadership, LSU was able to defeat powerhouse teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson on their way to the national title. His skill, poise, and charisma on the field made him not just a star, but a legend in Baton Rouge and across the nation.

Burrow’s success at LSU laid the foundation for what has become a remarkable NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow’s transition to the NFL has been equally impressive. He quickly became the face of the Bengals franchise, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second season.

Yet, while his on-field accomplishments are legendary, Burrow’s personal growth and perspective off the field have shaped his advice to current players. As an athlete who has navigated both the pressures of college football and the transition to professional sports, Burrow understands the importance of financial opportunities and long-term planning. His advice is reflective of the realities of modern sports, where athletes are expected to take control of their careers in ways that go beyond just performance on the field.

The Rise of NIL and Its Impact on College Football

The notion of players getting paid for their name, image, and likeness has been around for years, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2021 that the NCAA officially adopted rules allowing college athletes to profit from NIL. The ruling was a game-changer for college sports. Before the rule change, athletes could not accept compensation for their performances or endorsements while attending college, regardless of how much they contributed to the athletic programs and their institutions.

With the advent of NIL, college athletes, including football players, now have the freedom to sign endorsement deals, receive compensation from social media platforms, and profit from autographed memorabilia or personal appearances. This has allowed athletes, many of whom were previously unable to capitalize on their fame, to earn significant amounts of money while still in college.

The financial landscape for college football players has changed dramatically. Players are now seen as brand entities with substantial marketable value. Some high-profile players can command lucrative deals worth millions of dollars, while others may receive more modest sums. NIL has also led to increased competition among universities and boosters, as schools seek to attract top-tier athletes by offering financial incentives in the form of NIL deals.

This new reality has had a profound impact on college football recruiting. Schools that are able to promise large NIL deals are now more attractive to prospective players, and as a result, the playing field has leveled in some ways. Top-tier recruits can now factor financial opportunities into their decision-making, alongside traditional considerations like team success, playing time, and the quality of coaching staff.

It is in this context that Burrow’s advice to players to “go wherever they are paying you the most” makes perfect sense. Burrow, who experienced the rise of NIL firsthand, recognizes that athletes now have the ability to make decisions based on what will benefit them most financially and professionally.

Burrow’s Perspective: Why Financial Opportunities Matter

When Joe Burrow advises players to take the best financial opportunities available to them, it’s not just about making money for the sake of it. Burrow’s advice comes from a place of understanding and experience. While playing football is a passion, it’s also a business. College athletes are providing immense value to their teams and programs, and it’s only fair that they have the chance to profit from their skills.

For Burrow, this is about more than just maximizing personal wealth. His words reflect the growing understanding that, for many athletes, college may be the only time in their lives when they can leverage their fame and athleticism to its fullest extent. The window of opportunity for athletes to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness is limited, and maximizing that opportunity can have a significant impact on their long-term financial security.

Furthermore, Burrow understands that NIL deals provide athletes with a level of financial independence that allows them to focus on their careers without worrying about finances. For many college athletes, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, NIL can be a game-changer, providing them with the resources to support themselves and their families. This independence can also allow athletes to focus on what truly matters: improving their skills, performing on the field, and positioning themselves for a successful professional career.

Burrow’s advice also acknowledges the evolving role of agents, boosters, and other individuals who can help athletes navigate the financial aspects of college sports. As NIL deals continue to evolve, players will need to be savvy about how they manage their contracts and partnerships. This means that players must take control of their financial futures early on, and Burrow’s counsel serves as a reminder that this is an essential part of being an elite athlete in today’s world.

The Long-Term Benefits of NIL

While the short-term financial rewards of NIL deals are significant, the long-term implications are even more impactful. For players like Burrow, NIL can serve as a stepping stone to even greater professional opportunities. While Burrow didn’t directly benefit from NIL during his time at LSU, he has seen firsthand how the new landscape of college sports can shape the future of athletes. Today’s athletes are no longer just football players—they are brands, influencers, and entrepreneurs in their own right.

By taking advantage of NIL, players can build their personal brands and create a platform that extends beyond the gridiron. Some college athletes have used their NIL deals to launch businesses, while others have used their platforms to advocate for causes they care about. For Burrow, a player who has always been known for his strong character and leadership, this ability to influence outside of football is something he clearly values.

In addition to building their personal brands, NIL deals can also be used to support charitable causes, help with educational expenses, or create opportunities for financial security down the road. Players like Burrow, who have navigated both college and professional sports, know how important it is for athletes to be prepared for the unpredictable nature of sports careers. Injuries, changes in performance, or shifts in team dynamics can quickly alter a player’s career trajectory, making it crucial to capitalize on every opportunity that comes their way.