May 17, 2025
2

Joe Burrow Crowned Greatest LSU Tiger Ever by Times Square Magazine After Iconic 2019 Season That Redefined College Football Excellence

There are great players. There are legends. And then, there’s Joe Burrow—the man who not only defined a season but elevated an entire program to immortality. Recently, Times Square Magazine declared Burrow the greatest LSU Tiger of all time, a title that may sound bold at first—until you revisit what he accomplished in the fall of 2019.

From the moment he stepped onto the field that season, Burrow was on a mission. A transfer from Ohio State who had already shown glimpses of his talent in 2018, Burrow returned for his senior campaign in Baton Rouge with one goal: to leave no doubt. And what followed wasn’t just a Heisman-worthy campaign—it was a rewrite of the record books, a demolition of blue-blood programs, and the rise of a new icon in purple and gold.

Burrow didn’t just win the Heisman Trophy—he ran away with it, earning the largest margin of victory in the award’s history. And the numbers speak for themselves. Sixty touchdown passes. That’s not a typo. Sixty. The most ever thrown in a single FBS season. He added over 5,600 passing yards, completing nearly 77% of his throws, and operated with surgical precision week after week. Yet, it wasn’t just the stats—it was the competition he obliterated, the moments he delivered, and the calm, unshakable confidence that made fans and opponents alike take notice.

LSU, under Burrow’s guidance, went a perfect 15-0. But this wasn’t an ordinary undefeated run. This was dominance against a murderer’s row of college football royalty. Alabama in Tuscaloosa? Handled. Georgia in the SEC Championship Game? Overwhelmed. Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff Semifinal? Embarrassed. Clemson in the National Championship? Outclassed. These weren’t cupcake wins—they were statement victories, each one a testament to Burrow’s leadership and the fire that drove him to greatness.

His performance against Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl was absurd: seven touchdown passes—in the first half. He added one on the ground for good measure. That day, LSU didn’t just beat the Sooners. They made them look like a team that didn’t belong on the same field. And Burrow? He looked like a man possessed, laser-focused on finishing what he had started.

Against Clemson, the defending national champions, Burrow cemented his legacy. The Tigers trailed early, but their quarterback never flinched. He threw for 463 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-25 victory that sealed LSU’s fourth national title. When the confetti fell inside the Superdome that night, it wasn’t just a celebration. It was coronation. Joe Burrow had arrived—and he brought the greatest LSU team of all time with him.

To call Burrow “cool under pressure” is an understatement. He had a swagger that bordered on cinematic. The image of him casually puffing a cigar in the locker room after winning the national title became instantly iconic. It wasn’t arrogance—it was assurance, the kind of quiet belief that Tiger fans came to see as divine. He wasn’t just playing quarterback; he was leading a movement, redefining what LSU football could be.

LSU’s offense in 2019, led by Burrow and first-year passing game coordinator Joe Brady, was unlike anything college football had seen from the program before. Known traditionally for smashmouth running games and defensive dominance, LSU transformed into an aerial assault unit, with Burrow as the brilliant conductor. He read defenses like a chess master, delivered throws with precision and touch, and made plays with his legs when needed. No stage was too big. No moment too daunting.

He connected with a talented receiving corps that included future NFL stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, making all of them better with his timing, accuracy, and field vision. Every play felt like it had the potential to go for six, and more often than not, it did. Burrow brought flair, finesse, and a football IQ that overwhelmed opposing defenses.

What makes his legend even more compelling is the journey it took to get there. He wasn’t a five-star recruit handed the keys to a powerhouse program. He had to leave Ohio State after being buried on the depth chart. He arrived at LSU with something to prove and left with everything achieved. In doing so, he gave LSU fans more than just a championship—he gave them a sense of pride and identity that continues to resonate.

Years later, the love affair between Burrow and LSU is still burning strong. Fans wear his jersey like a badge of honor. His name is chanted in Tiger Stadium. His 2019 highlights still trend on social media every fall. He’s not just a former quarterback—he’s a part of Louisiana folklore. From the bayou to Baton Rouge, he is remembered as “the one,” the man who changed everything.

That’s why the recognition from Times Square Magazine feels not only deserved but almost overdue. In a storied history filled with greats—Billy Cannon, Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, Leonard Fournette—none had a season quite like Burrow’s. Cannon may have been LSU’s first Heisman winner, but Burrow became a cultural icon. Peterson and Mathieu were game-changers on defense, but Burrow revolutionized LSU’s offense. Fournette thrilled with brute force, but Burrow inspired with brilliance.

The modern LSU GOAT? That’s not just a label—it’s a truth cemented in history. And it’s not simply because of the wins, the records, or the trophies. It’s because of the way Joe Burrow made people feel. He gave LSU fans hope, joy, and unforgettable memories. He made Saturday nights in Death Valley feel electric, even when they were on the road. He brought the program into a new era and left it with a standard that others will chase for generations.

Since leaving LSU, Burrow’s NFL journey has only added to his mystique. As the No. 1 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, he took a struggling franchise and led them to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second season. Yet, for all the success he’s had in the pros, he remains grounded in his LSU roots. He often speaks fondly of his time in Baton Rouge, and the fans never forget to show him love right back.

Burrow’s greatness is timeless. He is the quarterback against whom all future LSU players will be measured. He set the bar impossibly high—not just in stats, but in leadership, confidence, and poise. In many ways, he didn’t just lead LSU to a title—he redefined what the program could be. His impact goes beyond one season. It altered the DNA of LSU football forever.

To be called the greatest Tiger of all time is a title that comes with immense weight. But when it comes to Joe Burrow, the conversation is short. He is the standard. He is the moment. He is the GOAT.

As Times Square Magazine illuminated Burrow’s name under the bright lights in New York City, it was a fitting tribute for a player who once stood on that very stage to collect the Heisman Trophy. He walked away with that statue, but what he gave to LSU will last far longer than bronze. He gave them a season of perfection, a legacy of greatness, and a name that echoes in the heart of every Tiger fan.

Joe Burrow isn’t just the best LSU Tiger ever—he’s a legend whose story will be told for decades to come.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *