Few current NFL quarterbacks have picked up as many nicknames as fast as Joe Burrow. Most of them didn’t come from a coach or a team marketing department. They came from social media, a viral clip, and a fan base that couldn’t decide on just one name for a quarterback who plays as cool as he dresses. Here’s where his most famous nicknames actually came from.
Joe Brrr And Joe Shiesty, Born From One TikTok Video
Joe Burrow nicknames and Joe Shiesty both trace back to the exact same source, a single TikTok video posted by a creator known as Traphousesports in November 2021, following a Bengals win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Commentating over a clip of Burrow scrambling for a touchdown, the creator riffed off rapper Pooh Shiesty, known for wearing a ski mask and using brrr as an ad lib in his music, and the two nicknames spread from there.
Joe Brrr in particular gained extra meaning from Burrow’s growing reputation for wearing expensive jewelry, including a diamond encrusted chain with his initials and jersey number, JB9, that started as a gift from Louisiana rapper Boosie Badazz when the Bengals drafted him. The icy imagery of Brrr fit the diamonds perfectly, and the nickname stuck well beyond that original video.
Joe Cool And Its Connection To Joe Montana
Joe Cool is one of Burrow’s most fitting nicknames, capturing his unshakeable, composed demeanor in high pressure moments.He also shares the nickname with Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, who won four Super Bowls and earned a reputation for staying remarkably calm under pressure. When asked about it, Montana said he was happy to pass the nickname on, joking that he was too old for it and telling Burrow to enjoy it.
Burrow has admitted he isn’t completely sure where the Joe Cool nickname came from, but he likes the name regardless of its exact origin.
Jackpot Joey And Joey Franchise
Jackpot Joey came from an actual Bengals fan named Matty Meyer, who coined the nickname the night Cincinnati drafted Burrow, feeling the pick was exactly that for the franchise. Meyer went on to trademark the nickname and turn it into a small merchandise business, shipping shirts to dozens of states. Joey Franchise, meanwhile, has appeared in official Bengals communications, highlighting Burrow’s role as the face of the team’s turnaround.
Smokin’ Joe And Joe Chill
A couple of Burrow’s nicknames borrow directly from other well known figures. Smokin’ Joe nods to legendary boxer Joe Frazier’s famous nickname, and it suits Burrow especially well because he enjoys a cigar after big wins, a habit he has confirmed in interviews. Joe Chill, on the other hand, draws from the Batman comics, where the name belongs to the criminal who kills Bruce Wayne’s parents. Fans haven’t made the exact reason for giving Burrow that name completely clear, but it has still become one of the better known nicknames in his growing collection.
JB, Joey B, And Everyday Shorthand
Beyond the bigger, more elaborate nicknames, Burrow also goes by a handful of simpler ones in daily use. His own teammate, star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, has said he calls him simply JB. Joey B and Joe B function similarly, offering an easy, affectionate shorthand that teammates and fans use constantly, without any of the backstory attached to nicknames like Joe Shiesty or Jackpot Joey.
Complete List Of Joe Burrow Nicknames
Here’s a quick reference covering his most documented nicknames and what each one actually refers to.
| No. | Nickname | What It Refers To |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Brrr | Coined in a 2021 TikTok video, tied to his diamond jewelry and a rapper’s ad lib |
| 2 | Joe Shiesty | From the same TikTok video, referencing rapper Pooh Shiesty |
| 3 | Joe Cool | A nickname shared with Joe Montana, reflecting his calm demeanor under pressure |
| 4 | Jackpot Joey | Coined by a Bengals fan on draft night and later trademarked |
| 5 | Joey Franchise | Used by the Bengals organization to reflect his role leading the team |
| 6 | Smokin’ Joe | A nod to boxer Joe Frazier, fitting given Burrow’s love of cigars after wins |
| 7 | Joe Chill | Borrowed from the Batman comics character |
| 8 | JB | Used by teammate Ja’Marr Chase |
| 9 | Joey B / Joe B | Common, casual shorthand used by fans and teammates |
Why These Nicknames Still Matter
Joe Burrow nicknames say something real about how quickly a single viral moment can shape an athlete’s public identity in the social media era. Unlike a lot of older sports nicknames that took years or entire careers to develop, most of Burrow’s came together within a single season, largely driven by fans and content creators rather than sportswriters or the team itself. When asked directly, Burrow has said he’s genuinely indifferent to which one people use, telling reporters that just Joe works fine too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joe Burrow’s most common nickname?
Joe Cool and Joe Brrr are generally considered his two most widely used nicknames among fans and media.
Where did Joe Brrr and Joe Shiesty come from?
Both nicknames trace back to a single TikTok video posted in November 2021 by a creator known as Traphousesports, riffing off rapper Pooh Shiesty during a Bengals game.
Why is Joe Burrow called Joe Cool?
The nickname reflects his calm, composed demeanor in high pressure moments, and it’s a name he shares with former quarterback Joe Montana, who has said he’s happy to pass it along.
Who came up with the nickname Jackpot Joey?
A Bengals fan named Matty Meyer coined the nickname on the night Cincinnati drafted Burrow, later trademarking it and turning it into a small merchandise business.
Why is Joe Burrow called Smokin’ Joe?
It references boxing legend Joe Frazier’s own nickname, and it fits given Burrow’s confirmed habit of smoking a cigar after big wins.
Does Joe Burrow have a favorite nickname?
He’s said he’s largely indifferent to what people call him, though he’s mentioned liking Joe Cool even though he isn’t sure exactly where it came from.
What does JB9 refer to?
JB9 refers to Burrow’s initials and jersey number, featured on a diamond encrusted chain that started as a gift from rapper Boosie Badazz.
Final Thoughts
Joe Burrow’s nicknames capture how fast a single viral clip can spread across football culture today, turning one quarterback into a small collection of alter egos within a single season. Whether it’s Joe Cool’s icy composure, Joe Brrr’s diamond chain, or Jackpot Joey’s fan made origin story, each nickname reflects a different piece of how quickly Burrow became one of the NFL’s most recognizable personalities.
