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LeBron James Shares Well Wishes for Injured Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow: ‘Once a Buckeye Always a Buckeye’

LeBron James may be the biggest Ohio State fan in the country, although he never played for the school. Late Monday, he sent healing wishes to Joe Burrow, a former Buckeye who transferred away.

Sometimes details don’t really matter when another soul is ailing. Burrow, the starting quarterback for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and native of Ohio, suffered a significant knee injury Sunday afternoon. James, the Los Angeles Laker but Ohio native, wanted Burrow to know he cared.

James tweeted Monday night: “Hated to see it yesterday. have a speedy but more importantly healthy recovery (Joe Burrow). Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye. #ThatBoyGood.”

Burrow injured his left knee Sunday during the third quarter of the Bengals’ game against Washington. He was trying to complete a short pass. As he got the ball off, two Washington defenders sandwiched him. His knee bent in an awkward way.

Burrow posted a Tweet when he was in the locker room, telling his fans that he wouldn’t play again this season. He said: “Thanks for all the love. Can’t get rid of me that easy. See ya next year.”

What Did Joe Burrow Do To His Knee?

Doctors did an MRI on Burrow’s knee and determined he did a lot of damage. ESPN reported that Burrow tore two ligaments, his anterior cruciate and his medial collateral. The ACL is the knee’s main stabilizer. The MCL, which attaches your thigh bone to your lower leg, keeps the knee from going inward.

ESPN reported Burrow’s knee had other structural issues. He’ll need knee reconstructive surgery.

The NFL Network reported that Burrow likely will be ready to play at the start of next season. That means Burrow will need at least eight months to recover.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor confirmed Burrow will need surgery. But he declined to offer more details.

Ryan Finley, who replaced Burrow in the game, will continue to be Cincinnati’s starter. The Bengals cut long-time starter Andy Dalton before the season to clear a first-team path for Burrow.

Burrow was the No. 1 player selected in April’s draft.

In college, Burrow played two years at Ohio State. But he transferred to LSU. He was the runaway winner for the 2019 Heisman Trophy and helped lead the Tigers to the national championship.