In a stunning and public appeal, former Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison has directly addressed Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, urging him to consider a future move to Pittsburgh. This dramatic pitch comes amidst swirling uncertainty about the Steelers' own quarterback situation, with Aaron Rodgers' future also unclear, and follows a season where both AFC North rivals missed their ultimate goals.
An Unprecedented Public Pitch
Harrison used his platform, the Deebo & Joe podcast, to deliver a message that was part recruitment, part personal advice. The former defensive star, flashing his Super Bowl rings, spoke with lowered intensity directly to the Bengals' franchise player. "Joe Burrow. Look, Joe. We’re missing the piece, Joe. I’m talking to you," Harrison stated. "Burrow, look here. We’re missing a piece. You could be that piece. Joe, listen, you gotta look out for yourself. You gotta take care of yourself."
He then leaned on his brief experience with the Bengals—having played one season in Cincinnati—to add a layer of personal understanding to his plea. "I care about you, Joe. Because I did do a year in Cincinnati, and I know what you’re doing over there. What you’re facing over there. What you’re going through. I know what you’re going through. I heard it in your voice. I feel your pain when I hear you talk, Joe," Harrison added emotionally.
Burrow's Stance and the Seeds of Speculation
Despite Harrison's passionate appeal, the reality is that Joe Burrow has consistently positioned himself as a Bengal for the long term. He recently stated he "can’t see" a world where he isn't with Cincinnati in 2026, a statement fans expect from their franchise cornerstone. However, the speculation persists, fueled by a disappointing season that ended without a playoff berth for the Bengals.
Adding fuel to the fire, Burrow himself made a couple of notable comments recently. When asked if he ever imagined playing for another team, he didn't offer a definitive denial, instead remarking, "A lot of crazy things happen every year." More concerning for Bengals fans, Burrow admitted he isn't having fun the way he used to, though it's unclear if this frustration is with football in general or his specific situation in Cincinnati.
The Unsettled Steelers Quarterback Puzzle
Harrison's timing is not accidental. The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room faces its own questions. Veteran Aaron Rodgers, whose arrival was seen by many as a one-year experiment, has not firmly shut the door on returning. Reflecting on a challenging season, Rodgers said, "No, I’m just—it’s been a grinding year. And the two years before that were tough as well. So it’s been an absolute blessing to be here with these fans and this organization and Mike [Tomlin] and the leadership that we’ve got with these guys."
It's worth noting that Pittsburgh's path to the playoffs was narrow, requiring a missed 44-yard field goal by Tyler Loop of their opponent just to secure a postseason spot. This context highlights that while the Bengals' season was difficult, the Steelers' ride was far from smooth, making the allure of a player like Burrow even more potent for Pittsburgh faithful.
For now, Joe Burrow remains the face of the Cincinnati Bengals. He understands his immense value to the franchise and its passionate fanbase. Yet, in the high-stakes world of the NFL, where fortunes change rapidly, James Harrison has thrown a very public stone into the pond. His message is clear: if the unthinkable happens and Burrow ever looks beyond Cincinnati, his gaze should turn toward the black and gold of Pittsburgh.
