Joe Shiesty: The Origin of Joe Burrow's Viral Nickname

From LSU legend to NFL superstar, Joe Burrow's rise has been unforgettable. But how did he earn the viral nickname Joe Shiesty? Here's the full story behind the name, his reaction to it, and the moments that turned him into a football icon.

Whether you know him as Joe Shiesty, Joey B, or Joe Brrr, one thing is certain — Joe Burrow has made a name for himself as one of the NFL's most fearless and composed quarterbacks with his icy swagger and rocket arm.

From his record-breaking run at LSU to becoming the face of Cincinnati football — and the viral rise of the nickname Joe Shiesty — his journey has been anything but ordinary. Keep reading for a closer look at Burrow's rise to fame and the story behind the internet's favorite nickname.

Becoming Joe Shiesty

Before the nickname Joe Shiesty ever took off online, Burrow was just another highly recruited quarterback trying to find his footing in college football.

His journey began at Ohio State, where he spent three years fighting for a starting role that never came. Looking back, Burrow didn't shy away from revealing how difficult that chapter of his life was. He said:

"Those three years were tough mentally. You don't really realize what you're going through until you look back and realize how unhappy you were."

Nonetheless, in 2018, he made the pivotal decision to transfer to LSU (Louisiana State University), a move that would change everything. Once he landed in Baton Rouge, Burrow didn't just find playing time — he found his stride, his confidence, and his future.

Under head coach Ed Orgeron, he became the centerpiece of an LSU team that would go on to dominate college football. Burrow's 2019 season at LSU was nothing short of legendary.

By the time the 2020 NFL Draft rolled around, there was no doubt who would go first overall.

Surrounded by an explosive offense that included names like Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, he threw for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns — setting single-season NCAA records in both categories.

LSU went undefeated that year, steamrolling opponents and winning the national championship in a decisive 42–25 victory over Clemson. However, the accolades didn't stop there. Burrow was awarded the Heisman Trophy in December 2019, cementing his place in college football history.

His emotional acceptance speech went viral, especially his heartfelt praise of Coach Orgeron and his callout to his hometown of Athens, Ohio. It was clear that this wasn't just any quarterback — Burrow had presence, poise, and leadership that couldn't be taught.

By the time the 2020 NFL Draft rolled around, there was no doubt who would go first overall. The Cincinnati Bengals selected Burrow with the No. 1 pick, placing the hopes of a struggling franchise squarely on his shoulders.

Burrow became a big name in the game, not only because of his talent but because of the way he made fans believe again.

It was a homecoming of sorts; the Ohio native was now tasked with reviving football in the Queen City. Sadly, he suffered a season-ending knee injury as a rookie. However, Burrow came back stronger than ever in 2021.

In just his second year, he led the Bengals to their first playoff win in 31 years and carried them all the way to Super Bowl LVI. Though Cincinnati fell just short in a nail-biting 23–20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Burrow's performance throughout the season turned heads and silenced doubters.

He threw for over 4,600 yards and 34 touchdowns, all while displaying the kind of composure and swagger that would become his trademark. However, Burrow's rise wasn't just about numbers.

It was about how he carried himself — calm in the pocket, fearless under pressure, and completely unfazed by the spotlight. Burrow became a big name in the game, not only because of his talent but because of the way he made fans believe again.

He wasn't just Cincinnati's quarterback — he was their identity. This meteoric rise from forgotten backup to franchise savior set the stage for the legend of Joe Shiesty to take off.

The Story Behind Joe Shiesty

By the time Burrow helped lead the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI, the internet had already crowned him with several viral nicknames — none more widespread than Joe Shiesty.

But when asked directly about it during the first day of the Super Bowl's media festivities, the quarterback made it clear he didn't take nicknames too seriously. He said during his virtual news conference:

"Just call me Joe. Whatever anybody wants to call me is OK with me."

However, that indifference didn't stop fans from getting creative. By 2022, the nickname Joe Shiesty had become one of the most talked-about monikers associated with Burrow.

In an interview with Lordstown Motors, he opened up about the wave of nicknames he'd picked up since college — including this one.

"That was from a creator on social media. He made a funny video and started calling me that. I like that one," Burrow revealed. The creator in question turned out to be TikToker Traphouse Sports, who gave Burrow the nickname in one of his viral TikToks.

When asked to break down the origins of some of his most famous nicknames, he clarified that none of them came from him directly.

The video quickly gained traction, anointing Burrow not just Joe Shiesty but also Joe Brrr, with exaggerated rolling Rs that matched his on-field cool. At the time of writing, the original TikTok had racked up over a million likes.

However, t wasn't just fans who embraced the nickname. In a video featuring Burrow's teammates revealing their favorite of his many aliases, the most popular pick was Joe Shiesty.

Wide receiver Chase said of his reasoning, "'Cause he don't never wear a shiesty ski mask but he plays shiesty so I like that [sic]." Burrow, for his part, has remained humble about the titles he's collected.

When asked to break down the origins of some of his most famous nicknames, he clarified that none of them came from him directly. "We've been wondering a lot about the various nicknames that people have given you or you've given yourself," the interviewer began.

Burrow laughed, saying, "I can't say I started calling myself anything. I don't think you can give yourself a nickname." The nickname Joe Brrr came up next.

"Yeah, so the B with all the R's — well, I think that one came when I started wearing my jewelry. I'm not positive...I'm not entirely sure, but I guess that's where it came from," the quarterback revealed. Another popular one, Joey Franchise, was born inside the Bengals locker room. Burrow shared:

"C.J. Uzomah started calling me that. He was our tight end last year... yeah, he [was the] number one pick, that's what he started calling me."

Then there's Joe Cool — a nickname often associated with his legendary calmness under pressure. "I have no idea where that one came from," Burrow admitted, "but I do like that one."

Despite the variety, one nickname continues to stand out — Joe Shiesty. It may have started as a meme, but it became a symbol of Burrow's swagger, grit, and quiet confidence.

Others included Smoking Joe, a nod to his viral cigar celebration after LSU's national title win. "I've smoked a cigar or two in my day," Burrow said. Not all the nicknames were hits, though.

When asked about Tiger King, he quickly shut it down, stating, "See, I don't like that one that much. I don't know where... that one... I don't like that show."

Burrow added, "I don't like... I've not seen the show because I don't like seeing animals in cages. I don't really like that and so I didn't see the show. So I don't like that nickname." And Joe Chill? "I can't say I've heard that one before," he responded.

Despite the variety, one nickname continues to stand out — Joe Shiesty. It may have started as a meme, but it became a symbol of Burrow's swagger, grit, and quiet confidence. It captured how fans saw him — calculated, cold, and always in control.

From college transfer to national champion, from No. 1 pick to Super Bowl contender, Burrow's journey has been defined by his performance — but amplified by the persona. Whether he wears the nickname proudly or shrugs it off, one thing is clear — Joe Shiesty is here to stay.