Joe Burrow's new offseason hobby created a 'perfect storm' to also recover from his wrist injury

Getting 100% healthy for the 2024 season is Joe Burrow's No. 1 priority. The franchise quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals is seven months removed from undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his throwing wrist.

It's been a delicate process recovering from such a unique injury for a quarterback to suffer. Burrow said he reached out to former players for advice and found no other quarterbacks had suffered what he's been through.

An atypical injury requires atypical recovery methods, even ones that crossover with classical training.

Joe Burrow's piano practicing has helped his recovery

Before going on break for the summer, Burrow made it known that he's been practicing the piano this offseason as a hobby . In an interview with Complex Sports , he revealed that it's also helped out his wrist recover better.

"I’m learning the piano right now, hopefully I can get pretty good at that by next offseason," Burrow said. "I guess it'll be pretty tough during the season, but it's helped my rehab too for my wrist , so that's something I want to get good at."

I'm not a piano player, so I can't say how much stress the wrist is under whilst practicing. According to Burrow, it's been a goal of his to learn how to play, and an overall positive for his recovering.

"I've always wanted to learn how to play, but this was an opportune time to work on my hand and wrist dexterity while also learning that. So it was kind of the perfect storm," Burrow said.

Sometimes there are unintended consequences, and sometimes there are unintended benefits. This definitely fits in the latter.

Becoming a master on the keys is just one area of growth Burrow has undergone. He's learning how to listen to his body when it needs a break instead of pushing through hot days of practice. Off the field, he's adapting to having a more open personality for the betterment of his brand.

But his brand only goes as far as he does on the field. If playing the piano enhances his recovery, let him become Billy Joel.

Related: Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow reveals the specific edge fans in Louisiana have over fans in Ohio