Joe Burrow’s name already echoes through the halls of LSU football history, but now it blazes even brighter across the skyline of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Times Square Magazine has officially crowned Burrow “The Modern LSU GOAT,” a title that captures the essence of a quarterback who redefined not only greatness in Baton Rouge but raised the standard of college football excellence nationwide. This honor doesn’t simply celebrate his Heisman-winning, championship-clinching 2019 season—it cements Burrow’s place in the pantheon of LSU legends, with a legacy that continues to inspire the program, the state of Louisiana, and football fans around the globe.
When Burrow transferred from Ohio State to LSU in 2018, few predicted the seismic impact he would have on the program. But in one season, Joe Burrow went from being a solid SEC starter to arguably producing the greatest single season by a college quarterback in the history of the sport. His 2019 campaign was not just statistically unprecedented—it was emotionally transformative, turning doubters into believers and LSU into an unstoppable force of destiny.
Times Square Magazine’s decision to honor Burrow with the title of “The Modern LSU GOAT” is both a reflection of his awe-inspiring achievements and a celebration of the profound effect he has had on the culture of LSU football. In a school known for legends like Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova, JaMarcus Russell, Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Leonard Fournette, being labeled the “GOAT” is no small thing. But Burrow’s 2019 season wasn’t just remarkable—it was mythical. It was a season that rewrote record books, broke rival hearts, made history, and reminded the world why college football still holds a special place in the American sports landscape.
Under the guidance of head coach Ed Orgeron and first-year passing game coordinator Joe Brady, Burrow thrived in a system built to maximize his football IQ, poise under pressure, and elite accuracy. LSU went 15-0, defeating seven top-10 opponents along the way. Burrow threw for an NCAA-record 60 touchdowns and over 5,600 yards, completing 76.3 percent of his passes. He decimated opposing defenses with clinical precision, and he did so with an air of unshakable calm and confidence. Whether he was dismantling Alabama in Tuscaloosa, humiliating Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl with seven first-half touchdown passes, or outdueling Clemson in the national championship, Burrow seemed almost predestined for greatness.
But what made Burrow’s 2019 season so transcendent wasn’t just the numbers—it was the narrative. A kid from Athens, Ohio, who had to transfer to get a shot, who once doubted if he’d ever start in college, became the face of college football’s most dominant team in a generation. His story resonated. He wasn’t handed anything—he earned every accolade, every trophy, every cheer. When he walked up to accept the Heisman Trophy, his speech brought a nation to tears and sparked a movement of charitable donations to his hometown’s food pantry. That moment symbolized who Burrow is: not just a great athlete, but a great human being.
At LSU, the reverberations of the Burrow era are still being felt. Walk through Baton Rouge and you’ll find murals of Joe in his No. 9 jersey, fans still proudly wearing his name on their backs, and kids dreaming of being the next Burrow. Even current players at LSU credit him with transforming the identity of the program from one rooted in defensive grit and smash-mouth football to one that embraces explosive offensive firepower and swagger.
The Times Square Magazine recognition doesn’t come lightly. Their editorial board praised Burrow for “ushering in a new era of quarterback excellence and redefining leadership on and off the field.” The magazine’s annual “Legends Reimagined” issue typically highlights transcendent figures who have left a permanent mark on their domain. In their write-up, they describe Burrow’s 2019 season as “a symphony of brilliance,” where every game was a masterpiece and every throw a brushstroke on the canvas of immortality.
It’s hard to argue otherwise. Think back to Burrow’s performance in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. Against the best defense in the nation statistically, he made play after play that left announcers speechless and defenders frustrated. In the College Football Playoff semifinal, his seven touchdown passes in one half against Oklahoma were less a football game and more a public display of domination. And then, against Clemson—the defending national champions—Burrow delivered again, with five touchdowns and a national title that belonged to LSU in every sense of the word.
Even the fashion in which he left the field that night was iconic. Cigar in hand, smile across his face, Burrow looked like he knew that his college career was over, but the legend was just beginning. That image became an instant classic, one that now graces posters, t-shirts, and wall art across Louisiana. More importantly, it became symbolic of the swagger, pride, and excellence that now define LSU football.
In many ways, Burrow didn’t just have a great season—he redefined what greatness looks like in the modern college game. He was the prototype for the modern quarterback: smart, mobile, accurate, and a natural leader. NFL teams took notice. The Cincinnati Bengals made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he’s gone on to become one of the most respected young quarterbacks in the league, leading the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in over three decades and bringing credibility to a franchise long marred by irrelevance.
Still, no matter what he does in the NFL, his college legacy will forever shine brightest in Baton Rouge. When LSU honored Burrow by retiring his jersey and painting “Burreaux” on the back—a nod to Cajun culture and his beloved adopted home—it wasn’t just a marketing gimmick. It was a heartfelt thank-you. The kid from Ohio became a Louisiana folk hero, someone whose story aligned perfectly with the gritty, passionate, and resilient spirit of the state.
His bond with LSU goes beyond football. During Hurricane Ida’s aftermath, Burrow was outspoken in encouraging people to support recovery efforts. He has returned to campus on several occasions, often welcomed with standing ovations and chants of “Joey B.” For a fanbase as passionate and loyal as LSU’s, Burrow represents more than just a championship—he represents pride, unity, and belief.
So when Times Square Magazine illuminated the Big Apple with Joe Burrow’s face under the headline “The Modern LSU GOAT,” it wasn’t just honoring a football player. It was a declaration to the world that greatness comes not only from talent but from heart, resilience, and authenticity. In an age of NIL deals, coaching carousel chaos, and constant media turnover, Burrow is a throwback and a trailblazer—someone who did it the right way and made it unforgettable.
As the college football world continues to evolve, Burrow’s 2019 season will remain a touchstone, the gold standard against which future greatness is measured. And in Baton Rouge, where the echoes of “Geaux Tigers” ring loud and proud, no name brings more joy, gratitude, and reverence than Joe Burrow.
He may have only spent two seasons at LSU, but his impact will last for generations. He didn’t just win a title—he changed the culture. He didn’t just throw touchdowns—he inspired belief. He didn’t just wear the jersey—he became the identity. Joe Burrow is, without question, the Modern LSU GOAT. And now, the world knows it.