Bengals QB Joe Burrow's Shaggy New Look Sparks Debate

On October 16, 2025, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, 28, returned to the sideline for the first time since undergoing surgery last month for a grade 3 turf toe injury he suffered in week 2. However, Burrow's appearance has sparked a new wave of conversation among fans, and it's not just about his injury.

Burrow debuted a noticeably different hairstyle, with his brown locks now grown out and curly, hanging well over his eyes and across the bridge of his nose. This shaggy new look has drawn comparisons from fans to actor Conrad Fisher's character in the popular TV series "The Summer I Turned Pretty."

Some fans have speculated that Burrow's hair change could be a reflection of his mental state as he recovers from his injury. "Poor dude. I can't even imagine how he feels," wrote one user, while another commented, "If the hair is any indicator... my mans is depressed."

However, not all the reactions have been negative. Other fans have embraced Burrow's new 'do, with one person writing, "In my day, we called this guy a hunk," and another pleading, "Joe if you are reading this do not change this hair style."

Burrow's hair transformation is the latest development in his journey back to the field. The Bengals quarterback is expected to miss at least three months before he's cleared to play, with a targeted return in mid-December. In the meantime, his team continues to navigate the 2025 season, currently sitting at 3-4.