Kevin Durant, even heading into his 19th NBA season, is one of the best offensive players on the court. On the gridiron, Joe Burrow is emerging as one of the best young gunslingers in the NFL.
Durant, like Burrow, has battled injuries throughout his career. In his eighth season, he played in only 27 games. Since then, it’s been rare that he appears in over 65 contests, and he missed the entire 2019-20 season with an Achilles tear.
Burrow has also battled the injury bug. Last season, he led the NFL in completions, yards, and touchdowns. This season, he will miss at least three months with a turf toe injury and missed much of the 2023 season with a wrist injury.
Despite unreliable health, Durant thinks Burrow will go down as one of the best passers ever.
Kevin Durant Makes Bold Joe Burrow Prediction
Cincinnati Bengals fans, look away! Durant is a Washington Commanders fan first and foremost, but he enjoys watching high-level athletes regardless of team.
Burrow is expected to return in time to lead the Bengals to the postseason, provided that Jake Browning can keep the team afloat.
Durant recently expressed doubt as to whether or not Burrow will return this season at all.
“Knowing his mentality and knowing how hard he works and how much he cares, he’s going to bounce back and have a great season next year or whenever he comes back,” Durant told Kay Adams on a September 30th epidosde of the Up & Adams Show.
Burrow did bounce back following his 2023 campaign, but he is not expected to miss the rest of the season.
Durant Declares Burrow a GOAT In the Making
While Durant has his doubts concerning Burrow’s short-term health and ability to get back on the field this season, he has no doubt that the two-time All-Pro gunslinger will eventually be back in form.
“I think he sees himself finishing his career as one of the greatest ever,” Durant added. “And I think he has that drive, and he wants to get there.”
Durant knows a thing or two about drive. He told Adams that staying on the court is his biggest priority this season with the Rockets, and he imagines Burrow is in a similar spot.
“He also understands the difference between having the potential to get there and actually doing it,” added the forward. “So I think he just wants to put his head down and actually do the work.”
As things currently stand, Burrow could be one of the biggest “what ifs” in NFL history. Surrounded by a subpar offensive line and a lackluster defense, team success could easily elude Burrow for most of his career. On top of that, he’s at his best on pads on the field, not in streetwear pacing the sidelines.