CINCINNATI – Joe Burrow's next challenge is daunting: return to his home state and resurrect the woebegone Bengals.
Cincinnati took the Heisman Trophy winner first overall in the NFL draft Thursday night, a move expected by everyone, including Burrow.
The national title winner at LSU has spent weeks fielding questions about going to a franchise synonymous with futility. Burrow developed his quarterback skills in southeastern Ohio, leading his prep team to the playoffs.
A failed stint at Ohio State became a launching point to a national title and Heisman Trophy at LSU. For the draft Thursday, he wore a white shirt with the outline of Ohio and the 740 area code for southeast Ohio.