As Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow showcased his remarkable athleticism during a thrilling scramble for a 47-yard touchdown against the New York Giants, one of his oldest friends and teammates, Adam Luehrman, couldn’t help but reminisce about their shared history. Burrow’s run immediately transported Luehrman back to their childhood, specifically to a fourth-grade football game where Burrow first displayed his knack for making plays.Â
“I remember it vividly,” Luehrman recalled. “It was third or fourth grade, and we were playing against Logan. The final score was 6-0, and that was it.” Burrow’s talent was evident even then. “He’s not slow by any means,” Luehrman added, reflecting on Burrow’s decisive nature on the field. “He knew what he was doing as soon as that ball was snapped. What he was seeing… I’m sure Coach Smathers wasn’t surprised.”
Coach Sam Smathers, the spirited coach of the fourth-grade Athens Bulldogs, taught Burrow the fundamentals of the quarterback position, including the signature run that Burrow executed flawlessly against the Giants. After watching Burrow’s impressive play on TV, Smathers texted him, reminding him of that youthful game where they employed similar strategies. “I ran that play in youth football,” Smathers said, adding that he dug through his records to find the game they played back in 2006, where Burrow first demonstrated his ability to execute the “QB Sneak on bump” play.
In youth football, the simplicity of the game allowed for creativity and instinct. “You walk up to the line, and if no one is over the center or there’s no linebacker in the pit, you make sure the line is set,” Smathers explained. “You get your hands underneath, bump the center, the center snaps the ball, and you two move. That’s it.” This fundamental teaching laid the groundwork for Burrow’s future success.
Fast forward to the present, and Burrow’s remarks about being “sneaky athletic” resonate deeply with those who have watched him grow. Luehrman, alongside his twin brother Ryan and Burrow, formed a formidable trio during their years at Athens High School, where they led the football and basketball teams to significant victories. “There’s nothing sneaky about it,” Luehrman asserted, reminiscing about Burrow’s standout performances. “He ran it more than he would admit. He had a lot of big runs in high school for sure. It brought me some flashbacks, and I’m sure for him, too.”
One memory that stands out for Luehrman was the regional final against Columbus DeSales, where Burrow showcased his skills by rushing for over 135 yards and two touchdowns in a commanding 52-20 victory. Those moments on the field solidified Burrow’s reputation as an exceptional athlete and leader, qualities that have only grown since those early days.
Despite his ascent to the NFL and the pressures that accompany it, Burrow remains grounded. He still participates in a weekly video game gathering with Luehrman and their childhood friends. This tradition has endured through the years, surviving the changes that come with adulthood—jobs, marriages, children. It’s a nostalgic connection to their past, a reminder of simpler times before the fame and the responsibilities of being a professional athlete.
Luehrman reflected on these gatherings as more than just a break from their busy lives; they symbolize a deep-rooted friendship that has withstood the test of time. “It’s an ancient rite,” he said. “No matter what happens, we find a way to get together and have fun.” During these evenings, they relive their glory days, sharing stories and laughter, just like they did on the fields of Athens.
As Burrow continues to make headlines in the NFL, the bonds he forged in his youth remain integral to his identity. His ability to connect with his friends and reflect on their shared past is a testament to his character. Even as he becomes a household name, the memories of those early games with Coach Smathers and his childhood teammates are never far from his mind.
In moments like his spectacular touchdown against the Giants, it’s easy to see the influence of those formative years. Burrow’s instincts, his decision-making, and his undeniable athleticism are all rooted in the lessons learned on the youth football fields of Athens. As he navigates the challenges of professional football, those experiences and friendships serve as both a foundation and a source of strength, reminding him of where he came from and the journey that brought him to the NFL.
