When people talk about the football pedigree behind Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, conversations usually focus on his father, Jim Burrow, a former player and longtime collegiate defensive coach. Yet long before Joe reached superstardom, winning a Heisman Trophy and leading his team to the Super Bowl, the family's gridiron blueprint was shaped by his two older brothers, Jamie Burrow and Dan Burrow.
While internet headlines occasionally mischaracterize them as a dynamic trio of sibling quarterbacks taking over the NFL, the reality is more grounded. Jamie and Dan carved out their own notable paths as collegiate linebackers and defensive backs at the University of Nebraska, creating a competitive household environment that forged Joe's mental toughness and football intelligence. Looking closely at the actual lives, playing careers, and post-football transitions of the older Burrow siblings reveals how deeply ingrained the sport is in their family lineage.
The Athletic Foundation Set by Jamie and Dan
Football has always been a family fixture for the Burrows. When Joe was born in December 1996, his father Jim was coaching at Iowa State, and his older brothers were already old enough to understand the game. Jamie was a high school senior and Dan was a freshman when their youngest brother entered the world, meaning Joe grew up surrounded by high-level high school and college athletics.
As they grew, both Jamie and Dan followed their father's footsteps to the University of Nebraska, playing for the Cornhuskers.
- Jamie Burrow: Played linebacker for Nebraska from 1997 to 2001. He developed into a defensive leader, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors during his senior season and anchoring the middle of the field.
- Dan Burrow: Followed as a safety, spending five seasons in Lincoln from 2000 to 2004. Though he spent much of his career contributing behind the scenes and developing within the program, his presence added to the intense competitive standard of the household.
Growing up with brothers who played major Division I football meant Joe didn't have to look far for role models. The basement of their home and local backyards turned into testing grounds where a much younger Joe had to adapt quickly to survive rough athletic household banter.
Why Didn't Joe Play for Nebraska?
A common question among college football fans is why Joe didn't continue the family tradition at Nebraska. Both Jamie and Dan openly rooted for Joe to wear the scarlet and cream, hoping he would pledge his allegiance to their alma mater.
During Joe's high school recruitment, local ties ran deep, but his career trajectory pointed toward a national scale. When things didn't align for a commitment to Nebraska, Jamie and Dan respected his choice. Joe initially committed to Ohio State before ultimately transferring to LSU, where he put together one of the greatest single seasons in college football history. Despite the initial sting of him passing on Nebraska, his brothers became his most vocal supporters, traveling to games and celebrating his historic run to the national championship.
Life After Football: Careers Outside Sports
Unlike their younger brother, who went on to secure a massive mega-contract in the NFL, Jamie and Dan chose career paths outside of professional sports. Once their playing days at Nebraska concluded, both brothers transitioned into the medical sales industry.
- Jamie settled in Omaha, Nebraska, focusing on his career and family life with his wife and children.
- Dan moved to Houston, Texas, where he built his career in medical device and pharmaceutical sales.
Even though they live across different states—from Texas and Nebraska to Ohio and Louisiana—the brothers maintain tight bonds. They frequently coordinate schedules to attend Joe's professional games whenever possible, keeping the close-knit dynamic that started in their childhood home in Ames, Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all three Burrow brothers NFL players?
No. Only Joe reached the NFL. Jamie and Dan played college football at the University of Nebraska but pursued corporate careers in medical sales after graduation rather than playing professionally.
How old are Joe Burrow's brothers?
Jamie and Dan are significantly older than Joe. When Joe was born in 1996, Jamie was a high school senior and Dan was a freshman, making them several years older than the Bengals quarterback.
Did Jim Burrow play professional football?
Yes. Their father, Jim Burrow, was a standout defensive back who played collegiately at Nebraska, played professionally in the CFL and the NFL (with the Green Bay Packers), and spent over four decades coaching football.
Where did Joe Burrow grow up?
Joe grew up primarily in Ames, Iowa, where his father coached on the Iowa State University football staff before the family moved to Athens, Ohio, later in Joe's youth.
