Former Pro Bowl running back proclaims Joe Burrow to be the savior everyone outside of Kansas City is waiting for

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated Jan 30, 2025 1:32 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes is coming off his ninth straight playoff victory and is four quarters away from his fourth Super Bowl title. The Kansas City Chiefs have built a dynasty with Mahomes at quarterback, and the number of teams and quarterbacks capable of stopping him seems smaller than ever.

Only two quarterbacks have ever defeated Mahomes in the playoffs. One of them could have the Lombardi Trophy renamed after him. The other is Joe Burrow.

At least one former NFL player believes Burrow is the guy to stop Mahomes from getting out of the AFC once again.

Former Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart proclaimed on X/Twitter that Burrow will take back control of the AFC from the Chiefs in 2025.

Joe Burrow will save the AFC next year from being bullied by the chiefs!
— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) January 28, 2025

Stewart played 11 years in the league, 10 of which were with the Carolina Panthers. He made one Pro Bowl in 2015 when the Panthers went 15-1 and made the Super Bowl with MVP QB Cam Newton leading the way. His final season came a year before Burrow ascended to stardom at the college level, so the two never crossed paths on the field before.

Before his NFL days, Stewart played college ball at Oregon from 2005-07. Kenjon Barner followed his footsteps for the Ducks a few years later and went on to enjoy an eight-year pro career of his own. Barner challenged Stewart's original post, saying the Chiefs are this generation's version of the New England Patriots, but Stewart double-downed in saying Burrow is the only hope to stop them.

True statement! But joe is the only hope at this point! I’m all
For the greatness of Mahomey and Reid! Safe bet is the chief next
Week. But I really think eagles may have more juice in the tank! Eagles need that pay back! https://t.co/ngOdxXkiaK
— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) January 30, 2025

Stewart's support for Burrow is perhaps unexpected, but welcomed by Cincinnati nonetheless. The 28-year old QB has never had a short supply of respect from players, current or former. Being the only active QB to topple Mahomes in a do-or-die situation obviously gives him credentials, but it has been three years since that fateful game.

Pressure will be on Burrow and the Bengals to prove Stewart and all who agree with him correct next season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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