Giraffe named after Bengals QB Joe Burrow dies following illness

The Baton Rouge Zoo sadly confirmed Thursday that a 20-month-old male giraffe named Burreaux, in honor of former LSU Tigers star and current Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, died following an illness. 

"On Tuesday, September 7th, Burreaux experienced a sudden onset of acute symptoms that included a severe cough & overall agitation," a statement from the Zoo explained. "The Zoo’s veterinary staff took immediate measures to help, including swiftly administering medications to stabilize. As well, he underwent constant staff evaluation to optimize his chances of recovery. The Zoo’s team reached out to numerous zoological veterinarians throughout the nation – none of which had experienced a giraffe with comparable symptoms." 

According to the Associated Press and ESPN, Burrow once spelled his name "Burreaux" on the back of his LSU jersey for Senior Night in 2019. He ultimately guided LSU to a national title before the Bengals drafted him first overall in 2020 and is widely viewed as one of the greatest college quarterbacks in history. 

The 24-year-old signal-caller tore both his ACL and MCL last November but will return to action for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.