5 Surprising Facts About Joe Burrow's Older Brothers, Jamie And Dan

The story of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is widely known, but the football roots of the Burrow family run far deeper than his Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl run. As of December 10, 2025, the most current information reveals that the two men who laid the athletic foundation for Joe—his older brothers, Jamie and Dan Burrow—have carved out successful professional lives outside of the NFL spotlight, transitioning from collegiate football stars to a shared career path in medical sales. Their journey, marked by a significant age difference and a shared athletic legacy at the University of Nebraska, offers a fascinating look into the supportive, sports-driven family unit that helped shape one of the NFL's most elite quarterbacks.

Complete Biography Profile of Joe Burrow's Older Brothers

Joe Burrow is the youngest of three sons born to Jim and Robin Burrow. His two older brothers, Jamie and Dan, are significantly older than the Bengals star, a fact that profoundly influenced Joe's upbringing and competitive spirit. Both men followed their father's footsteps, playing college football at the University of Nebraska, establishing a powerful family tradition long before Joe took a snap at LSU.

Jamie Burrow: The Eldest Brother

• Full Name: Jamie Burrow
• Birth Order: The eldest of the three Burrow brothers.
• Age Gap with Joe: Jamie was a senior in high school when Joe was born in 1996, indicating an age difference of approximately 18 years.
• College Football: Played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
• Position: Mike Linebacker.
• College Achievements: He was a standout defensive player, earning Big 12 Defensive Player-of-the-Week honors twice during the 2001 season.
• Current Career: Successfully transitioned into the medical sales field after his football career. He reportedly lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
• Family Connection: His father, Jim Burrow, was also a defensive back for the Cornhuskers.

Dan Burrow: The Middle Brother

• Full Name: Daniel "Dan" Burrow
• Birth Order: The middle brother, second to Jamie and older than Joe.
• Age Gap with Joe: Dan was a freshman in high school when Joe was born, making him roughly 14 years older than the NFL star.
• College Football: Played for Nebraska Wesleyan University.
• Position: Quarterback (QB).
• Career Path: Initially spent time working in the financial sector after college.
• Current Career: Like his older brother, Dan ultimately pursued a career in the medical sales field.
• Current Life: He has built a personal and professional life outside of the media spotlight, focusing on his family and acting as a major supporter for his youngest brother.

From Nebraska Linebackers to Medical Sales: The Brothers' Career Path

The shared passion for football within the Burrow family is undeniable, but the professional paths of Jamie and Dan took a surprising turn away from the gridiron. Both brothers were prominent figures in the Nebraska college football scene, a legacy that began with their father, Jim Burrow, a former defensive back for the Cornhuskers who was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers.

Jamie, an elite linebacker for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, was a force on defense, earning significant recognition during his college career. Dan, who played quarterback for Nebraska Wesleyan, also demonstrated high-level athleticism.

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However, after their collegiate careers concluded, neither brother pursued a long-term professional football career. Instead, both Jamie and Dan made a successful and surprising pivot into the world of medical sales.

This career choice highlights a common reality for many talented college athletes: the transition to a stable, high-level professional life outside of sports. Their success in the highly competitive medical sales industry speaks volumes about the drive, discipline, and competitive nature instilled in them by their athletic background and their parents, Jim and Robin Burrow.

The fact that the two older brothers—both much older than Joe—found success in the same demanding field is a testament to the shared values and work ethic within the Burrow household, a foundation that Joe himself would later build upon in his own meteoric rise to the NFL.

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The Massive Age Gap and The Impact on Joe Burrow's Success

One of the most unique and defining characteristics of the Burrow siblings is the substantial age gap between Joe and his older brothers. When Joe was born in 1996, Jamie was already a high school senior and Dan was a freshman. This difference meant that Joe grew up with two siblings who were essentially young adults, providing him with a unique form of mentorship and guidance.

This dynamic created an environment of high-level competition and constant aspiration for young Joe. Growing up in the shadow of two successful college athletes—one a decorated linebacker, the other a college quarterback—meant Joe was immersed in a culture of elite sports from birth.

The brothers, along with their parents, Jim and Robin Burrow, fostered an intensely supportive and competitive atmosphere. Jamie and Dan were not just older siblings; they were role models who had already navigated the challenges of collegiate sports, offering Joe a "solid foundation of back and direction" that proved invaluable.

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The older brothers were able to provide Joe with the perspective of seasoned athletes, helping him to handle the intense pressure and scrutiny that came with his own journey from Athens, Ohio, to LSU, and eventually to the Cincinnati Bengals.

This familial support remains strong today. Despite their demanding careers in medical sales, both Jamie and Dan are described as Joe's biggest fans, often seen cheering him on from the stands. Their presence, though less public than Joe's, is a constant reminder of the deep-rooted athletic history and unwavering support that fuels the Bengals star.

The Legacy of the Burrow Family Football History

The story of Joe Burrow’s older brothers is inseparable from the larger narrative of the Burrow family football history. The family's athletic lineage traces back generations, starting with Joe's grandfather, James Burrow, who was a star point guard at Mississippi State. Joe's father, Jim Burrow, played football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and was a professional player for a short time.

Jamie and Dan continued this tradition by playing for Nebraska, with Jamie achieving significant defensive honors. Their careers, though not reaching the NFL heights of their youngest brother, cemented the family’s reputation as a powerhouse of Midwestern athleticism.

The brothers’ decision to step away from football and pursue careers in medical sales demonstrates a maturity and perspective that is often overlooked. They proved that success is not limited to the playing field and that the discipline learned in sports can be successfully applied to the professional world.

In essence, Jamie and Dan Burrow are the silent pillars of Joe Burrow's success. Their early achievements, their mentorship, and their supportive presence as successful professionals outside of the sports world provided Joe with the perfect blueprint for greatness. They are a crucial, yet often unseen, part of the legendary Burrow family story.