Is Joe Burrow Elite? ESPN’s First Take Sparks Heated Debate

CINCINNATI, Ohio — ESPN‘s *First Take* ignited a fiery debate Friday over whether Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow deserves to be considered among the NFL‘s elite. Analyst Chris Canty boldly challenged the popular opinion, arguing that Burrow falls short of the top tier.

“He’s not an elite quarterback,” Canty declared. “We’ve got to get out of this thing where we want to anoint everybody an elite quarterback. I’m just saying we can’t give the runner-up to the runner-up to the runner-up elite quarterback status. There ain’t but three spots on the medal stand.”

Canty pointed to Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson as the league’s true elite, emphasizing their accomplishments over Burrow’s. “Joe Burrow’s claim to fame is, once upon a time four years ago, beat Patrick Mahomes in a playoff game on his way to losing the Super Bowl. I’m sorry, that doesn’t give you elite status,” Canty said.

Burrow, who led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season, has been a standout performer since entering the NFL. Despite a strong 2024 season, Canty argued that Burrow’s achievements pale in comparison to those of Mahomes, Allen, and Jackson.

The debate highlights the subjective nature of defining “elite” status in the NFL. While some fans and analysts use Super Bowl wins as a benchmark, others focus on individual statistics, leadership, or consistency. Burrow’s supporters point to his impressive career trajectory and ability to elevate his team, even as his defense has occasionally faltered.

As the discussion continues, one thing is clear: the question of who qualifies as an elite quarterback remains a contentious and endlessly debatable topic in the world of sports.