The debate over Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s place among the NFL’s elite can be settled—at least for now. During a recent appearance at Fanatics Fest on Sunday, Hall of Famer Peyton Manning made waves by ranking Burrow second overall among current quarterbacks, trailing only Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes.
“I’m a big fan of Joe Burrow. Glad to see him back and healthy,” Manning remarked. “I like the way he carries himself… He doesn’t sweat, he doesn’t flinch. He’s just kind of calm and cool the whole time.”
Peyton Manning listed his top-5 QBs currently in the NFL at @FanaticsFest:
– Patrick Mahomes
– Joe Burrow
– Justin Herbert
– Lamar Jackson
– Josh Allen(🎥 @CSmittyNY)pic.twitter.com/y1DRQfJinp
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 18, 2024
Coming from a quarterback legend like Manning, this praise is significant. Manning’s endorsement places Burrow ahead of other top-tier passers, including Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.
Given Burrow’s performance when healthy, it’s hard to argue with Manning’s assessment. Burrow’s calm demeanor and consistent play have earned him widespread respect, and Manning’s ranking only solidifies his reputation as one of the league’s best. However, the 2024 season will be crucial for Burrow as he looks to maintain his position at the top.
As it stands, Manning’s top five seems to align with the general consensus among NFL fans, with Burrow’s spot near the top of that list providing plenty of fodder for future debates. Manning’s declaration is sure to fuel conversations, and Bengals fans now have some strong backing in their discussions about their franchise quarterback’s standing among the NFL’s elite.
