Joe Burrow Smoking a Cigar: The Viral Moment That United College Football and the NFL
The image of Joe Burrow smoking a cigar after leading LSU to the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship has become one of the most iconic sports photos of the decade. From the puff of smoke to the determined gaze, this snapshot crystallized Burrow’s underdog journey and has spawned countless memes, Joe Burrow smoking a cigar shirt designs, posters, and discussions about “what cigar is Joe Burrow smoking.” In this 2,000-word deep dive, we explore the story behind the photo, answer fan questions, examine its impact on college football and the NFL, and guide you to the best Joe Burrow smoking cigar memorabilia.
The Viral Cigar Photo: How One Shot Became Legendary
On January 14, 2019, after #9 LSU upset #2 Clemson 42–25 in the semifinal, the Tigers secured their first national title since 2007. As confetti rained down inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Burrow—LSU’s Heisman Trophy winner—stepped into a quiet hallway, lit a cigar, and exhaled smoke in a moment of pure catharsis. Photographers from ESPN and Sports Illustrated captured the scene, and within hours, the phrase joe burrow smoking a cigar picture was trending on social media.
That moment resonated beyond LSU fans. It represented perseverance, peak performance under pressure, and a tangible symbol of victory. The shot quickly became a poster-worthy image—joe burrow smoking cigar poster—and fueled a surge in fan-made designs for joe burrow smoking cigar shirt merchandise.
FAQ: What Cigar Is Joe Burrow Smoking?
Q: What cigar is Joe Burrow smoking?
A: Contrary to persistent speculation, the exact brand and blend of Burrow’s celebratory cigar have never been officially confirmed by LSU or Burrow himself. Industry insiders believe it was a generous “victory cigar” provided by event sponsors, likely a mild‐to‐medium‐bodied toro‐sized ring-gauge. Some cigar aficionados speculate it was akin to a Macanudo Cafe or Fuente Hemingway Short Story, owing to the uniform ash and classic bandless look. Ultimately, it remains “the cigar everyone wants to know about” but likely a commemorative press‐event cigar rather than a retail blend.
Q: What kind of cigar was Joe Burrow smoking?
Answering this precisely is difficult without confirmation. If you’re chasing that same flavor profile, look for mild to medium cigars with a Connecticut wrapper and Dominican or Nicaraguan filler—styles popular at celebratory sporting events.
Merchandise Mania: T-Shirts, Pictures, and Posters
The joe burrow smoking cigar shirt phenomenon took off on custom-print platforms the moment the photo went viral. Fans wanted wearable tributes, emblazoned with slogans like “Victory Smoke” or stylized caricatures of Burrow’s silhouette. Meanwhile, high-resolution joe burrow smoking cigar picture downloads circulated on Reddit and Twitter, and Etsy sellers offered joe burrow smoking cigar poster prints in 11×17″ and 24×36″ formats.
If you’re looking to add this piece of pop‐culture history to your collection:
- Custom T-Shirts: Search print-on-demand sites for “Victory Smoke” or “Burrow Cigar” designs.
- High-Res Art Prints: Independent artists often sell minimalist vector prints on Etsy or Society6.
- Official LSU Merchandise: Occasionally LSU’s online store releases commemorative items featuring the image under licensed deals.
Joe Burrow’s Journey: From Baton Rouge to Cincinnati
Before the cigar, Burrow was already a legend in the making. After transferring from Ohio State to LSU in 2018, he shattered SEC records—passing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns en route to the Heisman Trophy. His performance in the 2019 college football season culminated in that championship and the now-famous joe burrow smoking a cigar image.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Burrow with the first overall pick. Expectations were sky-high, but an injury-shortened rookie season tempered optimism. By 2021, Burrow had orchestrated one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in NFL history, guiding the Bengals to the AFC Championship game and sparking fierce comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs phenom Patrick Mahomes.
Rivalries and Fan Culture: Facing the Chiefs in the AFC North
The arrival of Burrow transformed the Bengals into genuine contenders—and ignited a rivalry with the Kansas City Chiefs. With Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow at the helm, AFC matchups have taken on playoff-level hype. Fans frequently recall Burrow’s cigar moment when discussing Burna’s calm under pressure versus Mahomes’ theatrical flair.
For Bengals and Chiefs fans alike, the narrative goes beyond wins and losses—it’s about star power, legacy, and the aura each quarterback projects. Burrow’s cigar image reinforces his “cool-under-fire” persona, while Mahomes’ highlight reels emphasize improvisation and flair.
Super Bowl Dreams and NFL Draft Legacy
After consecutive playoff runs, the Bengals reached Super Bowl LVI in February 2022. Though they fell to the LA Rams, Burrow’s poise and the cigar photo’s mythology fueled anticipation for his next chance. Every offseason brings speculation: Will Burrow’s next championship moment warrant another celebratory cigar?
As a top recruit in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow joined a class that included Chase Young, Justin Herbert, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. His trajectory—from Heisman winner to Super Bowl quarterback—is now part of draft folklore, inspiring prospects to chase their own “cigar moment.”
Legendary Athletes and Cigars: A Time-Honored Tradition
Burrow’s victory smoke isn’t the first athlete–cigar iconography. Jack Dempsey puffed post-fight cheroots, Muhammad Ali floated like smoke rings, and Roger Federer once celebrated the Wimbledon crown with a celebratory stogie (circa 2017 exhibition). Cigars symbolize triumph, wealth, and rarity—attributes athletes and fans glorify in equal measure. Burrow’s image fits squarely into this tradition, elevating him to the pantheon of sports legends immortalized by smoke.
The Impact on College Football Culture
In college football, where pageantry is king, the cigar photo tapped into broader themes:
- Underdog Victory: LSU’s climb from preseason unranked to national champion mirrored Burrow’s personal climb from backup to superstar.
- Memorabilia and Tradition: The photo spawned tailgate rituals—fans pass around a single cigar (unlit) as a good-luck token.
- Media Storytelling: Highlight reels now intercut the cigar shot when recapping LSU’s dynasty run or Burrow’s rise in the NFL.
The image lives on in highlight packages, documentaries, and analysis shows—proof that a single frame can redefine a career and cast a long shadow over sports lore.
Why Fans Love the Cigar Moment
- Authenticity: It felt unscripted—caught in the emotional eye of the storm.
- Symbolism: Smoke equals release; victory equals reward.
- Visual Power: The stark contrast of white smoke against LSU purple backdrop makes for a compelling poster.
- Relatability: Even non-football fans appreciate the relief of hard-earned success.
Because of these factors, joe burrow smoking a cigar poster prints have become staple décor in sports bars, man caves, and dorm rooms across the country.
Crafting Your Own “Victory Smoke” Experience
Whether you’re commemorating a fantasy-football win or your college graduation, you can replicate the “cigar moment” responsibly:
- Choose a Mild Cigar: Look for Connecticut wrappers for smooth, approachable flavor.
- Share with Friends: Designate a “victory cigar” at alumni events or draft parties.
- Capture the Moment: Stage a photo with team colors or custom T-shirts that echo Burrow’s look.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Joe Burrow’s Cigar Moment
What began as an impromptu victory puff has grown into a cultural touchstone, bridging college football, the NFL Draft, and Super Bowl aspirations. From Joe Burrow smoking a cigar shirt memes to high-quality Joe Burrow smoking cigar picture downloads, fans continue to celebrate that singular frame—and what it represents: the relentless pursuit of excellence, the hush before triumph, and the sweet release of victory smoke.
Reference Domains
- https://www.nfl.com
- https://www.espn.com
- https://www.cbssports.com
- https://www.si.com
- https://www.bleacherreport.com
- https://www.bengals.com
- https://www.lsusports.net
- https://www.kansascitychiefs.com
- https://www.superbowl.com
- https://www.cigaraficionado.com
- https://www.cigarsinternational.com
- https://www.fantasypros.com
- https://www.profootballfocus.com
