Beyond The Gridiron: 5 Surprising Facts About Joe Burrow's Older Brothers, Jamie And Dan Burrow

The curiosity surrounding Joe Burrow's family is immense, a natural result of his meteoric rise from a Heisman Trophy winner at LSU to the franchise quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals. While many fans search for information about his "sisters," the truth is that the Bengals star grew up with two highly athletic older brothers, Jamie and Dan Burrow, who laid the foundation for the family's deep football legacy. As of the latest updates in late 2025, the Burrow family remains incredibly close, with both older brothers offering unwavering support and playing a quiet but crucial role in Joe's life and philanthropic work.

The narrative of Joe Burrow's journey is often framed by his humble roots in southeastern Ohio, but the path was paved by a father who played in the NFL and two older siblings who were college football standouts themselves. This collective family history in the sport is a key component to understanding the competitive drive and grounded nature of the man known as "Joe Cool."

The Complete Biography of Joe Burrow's Brothers: Jamie and Dan Burrow

Joe Burrow is the youngest of three sons born to Jim and Robin Burrow, an exceptionally athletic family with deep ties to the University of Nebraska and the state of Ohio. The family moved frequently due to patriarch Jim Burrow's coaching career, but eventually settled in Athens, Ohio, a place that would profoundly shape Joe's worldview.

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• Full Name (Oldest Brother): Jamie Burrow
• Relation to Joe: Older Brother
• Hometown: Athens, Ohio (Grew up)
• College Football Career: University of Nebraska Cornhuskers (1997–2001)
• College Position: Mike Linebacker
• Notable Achievement: Earned Big 12 Defensive Player-of-the-Week honors during his time as a starting linebacker for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
• Current Profession: Works in medical sales and is an investor in the Early Bird restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska.
• Family Life: Resides in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife and children (son James and daughter Bowen).

• Full Name (Middle Brother): Dan Burrow
• Relation to Joe: Older Brother
• Hometown: Athens, Ohio (Grew up)
• College Football Career: University of Nebraska Cornhuskers (Defensive Back, 2000–2004) and Nebraska Wesleyan University (Quarterback).
• College Position: Defensive Back / Quarterback
• Current Profession: Works in medical sales.
• Family Life: Maintains a professional and personal life outside of the spotlight, often seen supporting Joe at games.

The age gap between Joe and his brothers is significant, with both Jamie and Dan being much older. This dynamic meant they were already established college athletes when Joe was still a child, cementing their status as early role models and mentors in his life.

The Nebraska Legacy: How Jamie and Dan Paved the Way for Joe

The Burrow family's connection to high-level football runs three generations deep, starting with their father, Jim Burrow, a former NFL defensive back for the Green Bay Packers who later enjoyed a long and successful coaching career, primarily as a defensive coordinator.

Both Jamie and Dan followed their father’s footsteps to the University of Nebraska, one of the most storied programs in college football history. Jamie, the oldest, became a standout Mike Linebacker for the Cornhuskers from 1997 to 2001. During this time, he was a key defensive player, even earning Big 12 Defensive Player-of-the-Week recognition—a major accomplishment in a powerhouse conference.

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Dan Burrow, the middle brother, also played college football, spending time as a defensive back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and later as a quarterback at Nebraska Wesleyan University. This multi-positional experience across two institutions highlights the family's deep, inherent commitment to the sport. While their careers didn't reach the NFL level like Joe's, their dedication to collegiate football created a high-achieving athletic environment for their younger brother to grow up in.

The brothers' influence on Joe's early development cannot be overstated. They provided the competitive atmosphere and firsthand knowledge of the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of college athletics. The constant presence of football, from their father’s coaching job at Ohio University to their own college games, normalized the pursuit of athletic excellence for Joe. They reportedly even affectionately referred to Joe as "Super," recognizing his exceptional talent from a young age.

Life After Football: The Brothers' Surprising Professional Careers

In a surprising twist for a family so steeped in football, both Jamie and Dan Burrow have transitioned away from the gridiron and into the corporate world. Both older brothers now work in the field of medical sales. This career path allows them to maintain a successful professional life while remaining close to their roots and family.

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Jamie Burrow's Entrepreneurial Spirit

Jamie, the former Nebraska linebacker, is not only established in medical sales but has also branched out into the hospitality industry. He is a notable investor in Early Bird, a popular breakfast and brunch restaurant located in Omaha, Nebraska. This entrepreneurial venture demonstrates a drive that extends beyond his athletic past and current sales career. Jamie lives in Omaha with his family, including his son, James, and daughter, Bowen, maintaining a strong connection to the state where the Burrow family’s football legacy truly took root.

Dan Burrow's Quiet Support

Dan Burrow has also built a successful professional life in medical sales, choosing to remain largely out of the intense media spotlight that follows his younger brother. While his college career involved playing defensive back for the Cornhuskers and quarterback for Nebraska Wesleyan, his current focus is on his family and career. Dan is often seen as a quiet, yet powerful, source of support for Joe, attending games and celebrating his brother's numerous achievements, from the Heisman Trophy win with the LSU Tigers to his selection as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Family's Collective Focus: The Joe Burrow Foundation

While Joe Burrow's on-field performance with the Bengals dominates headlines, the entire family is united by a profound commitment to philanthropy through The Joe Burrow Foundation. This organization is dedicated to providing resources and attention to the needs of children who have experienced food insecurity and mental health challenges.

The foundation’s mission is deeply personal, stemming from Joe’s own experience growing up in Athens County, Ohio, a part of southeastern Ohio with a poverty rate nearly double the national average.

Both parents, Jim and Robin Burrow, play significant roles in the foundation’s leadership. Robin Burrow, a former school teacher and administrator, serves as the Foundation’s President, leveraging her experience to guide the organization's outreach. While Jamie and Dan are not in official leadership roles, their continuous support and involvement—both financially and through advocacy—are crucial to the foundation's success. The foundation stands as a testament to the family's shared values and their collective desire to give back to the community that raised them. This collective effort, supported by the quiet strength of his older brothers, truly defines the off-field legacy of the Burrow family.