Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is one of the most talked about rising stars in the NFL; playing for the AFC North division, he makes waves on the field and off it. That fact has never been more prominent than it is right now, just days after the official Instagram account for the Bengals posted a snap of Burrow in a headband, and the internet went wild for it.

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Hear me out, you might wonder what is so special about a headband upon Burrow’s head, but I’m getting there — I promise. Burrow is a fan favorite not just for his skill level with a ball in his hand but because he’s sort of a pop culture fanatic like the rest of us. In fact, he had a Star Wars bedroom growing up — something he showed off after the Bengals drafted him. Burrow is also a pretty big video game guy as well, most recently telling fans he’s been enjoying Star Wars Battlefront and has talked about playing Super Smash Bros. as well.

So it goes without saying that Burrow was already a pop culture favorite, but headband Joe — he’s coming for your hearts and quick. Burrow is handsome; there’s no way around that, but headband Joe? He’s — as the kids say — fire. When the Bengals posted this snap on Instagram, they most definitely knew what they were doing, and social media reacted accordingly.

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A post shared by Cincinnati Bengals (@bengals)

This reaction video on TikTok is one of our favorites, as it’s about the same thing we said when we first saw headband Joe.

@katdarehansen

How am I supposed to get any work done today @Cincinnati Bengals? #thankyou #greenscreensticker #cincinnatibengals #cincinnati #joeburrow

♬ original sound – Kat Hansen

Is headband Joe an addiction, or is it just making us very, very happy?

Bengals fans on Joe Burrow’s headband

— Tyler Meinerding (@TylerMeinerding) May 16, 2023

This Bengals fan knew the feeling his wife would get after watching headband Joe; funny enough — he had a similar reaction. For those who don’t know the meaning behind this picture, it fits the narrative perfectly. Sam Hubbard ran a fumble return 98 yards for a touchdown, and after he took a moment to celebrate, he needed oxygen.

Did Headband Joe make us lose our breath? Yes, yes, he did.

Me, after watching headband Joe Burrow

— Yallsome (@Yallsome1) May 15, 2023

The initial photo and follow-ups have inspired fans to ask many questions about headband Joe, like what does he do in his spare time? How does he begin his day? This TikTok user thinks he kicks off each morning by saving a kitten from a tree — and we concur.

@stevenpeeler

#greenscreen Headband Joe Burrow is incredible. #joeburrow #joebrrrr #joebrrrrrrrr🥶 #bengalsfootball #bengalsnation #nfl #joeburreaux

♬ original sound – stevenpeeler

The fact that her jaw doesn’t close once? We feel her on a profoundly emotional level; the picture itself was enough, and when we saw the video — it was game over. Yes, we’re thirsty and not too ashamed to admit it.

@larlizteegs

#greenscreenvideo #cincinnati #cincinnatibengals #joe #joeburrowedit #joeburrow #headbandjoeburrow #lol #fyp #cincinnatiohio #benagls #nfl

♬ Big Energy – Latto

This sound and this video? Chef’s kiss, it’s a match made in heaven.

@ericgrant16

Headband Joey B is powerful! #JoeBurrow #fyp #nfl #bengals #trending #Cincinnati #fakebody @NFL @Cincinnati Bengals

♬ original sound – Eric Grant

We want to give this girl a hug, seriously — this is hands-down the best reaction. Can we all marry headband Joe?

@malloryyyy_14

Like c’mon now😭😮‍💨😩@Cincinnati Bengals #joeburrow #fyp #iykyk #tiktok #bengals #cincinnatibengals #cincinnati

♬ original sound – i love steven grant – i love steven grant

Die-hard Burrow fans will know this is a song on almost every thirst trap video of him already, but headband Joe has kicked it up a notch.

@breanna.roseee

HEADBAND JOE🥰🥰🥰@Cincinnati Bengals #greenscreenvideo #greenscreen

♬ big boy sza – katelin

We’re only in the early stages of practice and getting the ball moving for the 2023-2024 football season, but the frontrunner for VIP has already entered the building. Joe Burrow is coming for your hearts, for all your thirst trap needs, and then for the Super Bowl and MVP titles; and we’re betting it all on him. Here’s to headband Joe — may we all feel blessed to be alive during a time such as this.