Joe Burrow’s surprising new hairstyle has a very simple explanation.
The Bengals quarterback, who stepped out with a platinum blonde haircut to training camp in Cincinnati this week, had a straightforward answer when asked why he chopped off his iconic long locks.
“I got bored,” the 27-year-old told reporters after Wednesday’s practice.
Burrow went on to explain that he made a bet with his teammate, BJ Hill.
“BJ said if I shaved my head and bleached my hair, he would do it too,” the former LSU superstar said.
Joe Burrow had a simple explanation when asked about his platinum blonde haircut.
“I got bored,” the 27-year-old told reporters after Wednesday’s practice.
“Now everyone has to hold him accountable because they will have to do so next week,” he added.
“We need fans and media to hold him accountable if he doesn’t. So I’m counting on you.”
The Bengals’ social media team was the first to reference rapper Eminem’s alter ego Slim Shady when he debuted the new look.
The team posted a photo of Burrow, which was captioned ‘Guess who’s back,’ in reference to the iconic chorus of the 2002 hit ‘Without Me.’
References to Eminem kept coming, with users repeatedly responding that he looked like ‘Slim Shady.’
In addition to the Detroit native, Burrow’s bold appearance also drew comparisons to WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes.
Burrow shaved off his signature long, lush mane before the start of the NFL season.
Her bold new look even drew comparisons to rapper Eminem’s alter ego Slim Shady.
“Did they sign Cody Rhodes in the offseason?” one fan joked in response to the Bengals’ post.
Meanwhile, some fans argued that the new look symbolized a breakout season for Burrow as he returns from injury, and even a Super Bowl title for Cincinnati.
‘MVP season is coming,’ wrote one user.
“The Super Bowl is coming to me NOW,” added another.
After suffering a torn ligament in his right wrist, Burrow missed seven games at the end of last season as the Bengals finished with a 9-8 record.
But with Burrow healthy and surrounded by new reinforcements, the Heisman Trophy winner believes he will have the advantage over his rival and reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs.