‘Don’t Come for Me’- 24YO Australian NFL Star Dishes Out Honest Reaction After Absurd Comparisons With Joe Burrow…
In a recent interview, Australian NFL star and rising quarterback, Jack O’Donnell, responded to some outrageous comparisons made between him and Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star quarterback. The 24-year-old, who has quickly gained recognition in the NFL for his impressive performances, expressed his frustration over the comparisons and set the record straight about his own abilities and identity.
O’Donnell, known for his poise, athleticism, and precision on the field, has been making waves in the league since his transition from Australian rules football to the NFL. The journey from down under to one of the most competitive football leagues in the world hasn’t been easy, but O’Donnell has proven to be a capable and promising player. However, despite his success, the comparisons to Burrow—one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the NFL—left him feeling a bit misunderstood and annoyed.
The Comparisons and Initial Reactions
It all started with some of the media’s more sensational headlines, which started to draw parallels between O’Donnell and Burrow. Burrow, who led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance just a couple of years ago, has become a household name. His leadership, accuracy, and ability to deliver under pressure have earned him comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in the league’s history. Naturally, when O’Donnell emerged as a promising young quarterback, it wasn’t long before people began to make comparisons between the two—especially since both players share an almost eerily similar style of play. However, for O’Donnell, this wasn’t a comparison he welcomed.
In an exclusive interview after a hard-fought win against the Denver Broncos, O’Donnell was asked about the constant talk of being “the Australian Joe Burrow.” His response was both measured and candid, expressing his frustration in a calm but firm manner.
“Look, I get it. Joe Burrow is one of the top quarterbacks in the league right now. He’s been to a Super Bowl and led a team that many thought didn’t have a chance,” O’Donnell said. “But let’s get one thing straight—I’m not Joe Burrow. I’ve got my own style of playing and my own journey, and I’m not interested in being anyone’s shadow.”
A Unique Journey to the NFL
O’Donnell’s path to the NFL is vastly different from most of his counterparts, and it is something he prides himself on. While most NFL quarterbacks have been playing the game from a young age, O’Donnell was born and raised in Australia, where he played Australian rules football (AFL). His athleticism was obvious, and his transition to American football was a result of both opportunity and hard work.
Many wondered how someone from Australia could succeed in a sport as complex and tactical as American football, but O’Donnell had a burning desire to prove himself. Despite the skepticism, his first season as a rookie showed promise. He was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft after impressive showings at his pro day and subsequent rookie camps. What stood out most was O’Donnell’s raw athleticism, his quick reflexes, and his ability to read the game—a quality he attributed to his AFL background.
“The one thing about AFL is that it trains you to think quickly. The game is so fast-paced that you don’t have much time to dwell on your decisions. That’s a skill I’ve brought over to football, and it helps me make quicker, sharper decisions in the pocket,” he explained. But despite the success, comparisons to Burrow kept popping up, making O’Donnell feel boxed in by expectations that weren’t necessarily his own.
Setting the Record Straight
During his interview, O’Donnell took the opportunity to emphasize that while he respected Burrow’s achievements, he wasn’t in the business of mimicking someone else’s career. “I think Joe’s a great quarterback. He’s done incredible things. But this isn’t about him. It’s about me and my team, and we’ve got our own goals and challenges to tackle. So, for anyone trying to draw that comparison, I say—don’t come for me. Let me do my thing.”
This statement sent a clear message to both media and fans alike: O’Donnell was intent on carving out his own legacy. He didn’t want to be the “next Joe Burrow” or the “Australian Joe Burrow”—he wanted to be Jack O’Donnell, a quarterback who could build his own legacy in the NFL.
Fans React to the Statement
O’Donnell’s direct comments quickly garnered attention on social media. Fans were split—some appreciated his honesty and the fact that he wasn’t afraid to challenge the comparisons. Others, however, felt that he might be downplaying the importance of Burrow’s influence on the game. But O’Donnell wasn’t concerned about public perception.
In an additional tweet following the interview, he added, “Respect to Joe, but I’m here to win for my team, not chase someone else’s story.” The tweet quickly went viral, sparking debates about the pressures young athletes face in the age of social media and constant media scrutiny.
Future Prospects and Moving Forward
Looking ahead, O’Donnell is focused on improving his game and helping his team make a deep playoff run. Despite the comparisons, it’s clear that the 24-year-old quarterback has the potential to become one of the league’s elite players in his own right. With his sharp mind, athleticism, and growing confidence, O’Donnell is determined to write his own chapter in the NFL’s history books.
“I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m ready for whatever comes next. Whether people think I’m the next big thing or not, I’m going to focus on the things I can control—my work ethic, my performance, and my leadership,” he said, as he reflected on his goals for the rest of the season.
As the NFL season progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep their eyes on O’Donnell, but it’s clear that comparisons to Joe Burrow—no matter how flattering—won’t define him. Instead, O’Donnell is setting out to establish his own name, prove his worth, and let his performance on the field speak for itself.
