Time Square Magazine Honors Joe Burrow as the Greatest LSU Tiger of All Time: 2019 Heisman Winner, National Champion, and Record-Breaking Quarterback Who Led the Tigers to a Perfect Season and Cemented His Legacy as the Modern LSU GOAT
In a recognition that cements his place in college football lore, Time Square Magazine has named Joe Burrow the “Greatest LSU Tiger of All Time.” It’s a bold claim—LSU has a long, proud tradition of gridiron greatness—but few can argue with the choice. With a Heisman Trophy, a national championship, and an unforgettable 15-0 season under his belt, Burrow’s name is now etched not only into LSU history, but into the broader narrative of college football greatness.
Burrow’s time in Baton Rouge may have been short, but it was nothing short of legendary. His 2019 season with the LSU Tigers is widely regarded as one of the greatest campaigns ever by a college quarterback. His stats were mind-boggling: 60 touchdown passes, over 5,600 passing yards, and a level of efficiency and dominance rarely seen at the collegiate level. But it wasn’t just about the numbers—Burrow played with a cool confidence, surgical precision, and elite leadership that made LSU nearly unstoppable.
When Joe Burrow arrived at LSU as a transfer from Ohio State, he wasn’t immediately seen as a program savior. His first season in 2018 showed promise, but few predicted what was to come. In 2019, Burrow and the Tigers rewrote history.
Under the guidance of head coach Ed Orgeron and passing game coordinator Joe Brady, the LSU offense transformed into a juggernaut. Burrow flourished in the new system, displaying quick decision-making, pinpoint accuracy, and poise under pressure. Week after week, he torched SEC defenses and led his team to victories over some of the nation’s most storied programs.
The Tigers didn’t just win—they dominated. They beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa, a feat that hadn’t been achieved by LSU in nearly a decade. They took down Georgia in the SEC Championship. In the College Football Playoff, they steamrolled Oklahoma and then beat defending champion Clemson to win it all.
Burrow’s 60 touchdown passes in a single season shattered the previous FBS record. He also completed over 76% of his passes, another historic feat given the difficulty of LSU’s schedule. He was the undisputed Heisman Trophy winner, receiving one of the highest vote percentages in the award’s history.
But more than the numbers, it was the manner in which Burrow led the Tigers that won over fans and analysts alike. He was unflappable in big moments, confident without being arrogant, and deeply respected in the locker room. His now-iconic image—coolly smoking a cigar in the Superdome locker room after the national title win—epitomized his leadership style: calm, collected, and fiercely competitive.
The 2019 LSU Tigers didn’t just go undefeated—they beat a murderer’s row of college football powerhouses. Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Clemson were all considered elite programs with playoff pedigree. Burrow not only led his team to victories over them, but in most cases, he made them look overmatched.
That’s a huge part of what has elevated Burrow to “GOAT” status in the eyes of Time Square Magazine. Great players often thrive in soft schedules or dominate lesser competition. Burrow did it against the very best. And he did it with style.
Joe Burrow’s influence on LSU goes far beyond stats and trophies. He brought a renewed sense of pride and identity to the program. His success helped revitalize recruiting, rebranded LSU as a modern offensive powerhouse, and gave fans memories they’ll carry forever.
Burrow was also deeply connected to the Baton Rouge community. Originally from Athens, Ohio, he often spoke about the importance of giving back, and he brought national attention to poverty in his hometown during his Heisman acceptance speech. His humility and authenticity resonated with fans across the country, and especially in Louisiana.
To this day, his No. 9 jersey is still one of the most worn by LSU fans on game day. Murals, tributes, and even babies named “Burrow” continue to honor his impact.
After his historic college career, Burrow went on to be selected first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite suffering a devastating knee injury in his rookie year, he rebounded in 2021 to lead the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in over three decades. His NFL career has only added to his legend, but it’s what he did at LSU that solidified him as a college football icon.
His success in the pros has further validated what LSU fans already knew: that Joe Burrow was special. His intelligence, toughness, and drive have made him a star at the next level—but Baton Rouge will always be where his legend began.
