Cincinnati Bengals fans are raising their voices, and this time it’s not just about a bad call – it’s about wasted potential. After HC Zac Taylor’s latest move involving rookie WR Jermaine Burton, the fanbase is all fired up.
Burton, who showed flashes of brilliance, is now being kept on the sidelines, and fans aren’t holding back their frustration.
Fans React to Jermaine Burton’s Rookie Season Hitting a Wall
The Bengals are officially putting Burton’s rookie season out to pasture. He won’t make the trip to Pittsburgh for Week 18 due to a coach’s decision. Fans, meanwhile, are firing up their keyboards with a range of reactions.
One fan summed it up with “Stop wasting your talent,” and honestly, it hits hard. When fans see his level of potential going untapped, frustration naturally follows.
Stop wasting your talent
— Twon. (@Web3Twon) January 3, 2025
The calls for answers didn’t stop there.
Another fan sarcastically wondered, “So was he completely babysat by athletic staff & tutors at UGA & Bama?” hinting that Burton’s previous college success (he played at both Georgia and Alabama) hasn’t translated to the NFL. The concern here is that his talent should be far more apparent by now, but it just hasn’t clicked.
so was he completely babysat by athletic staff & tutors at UGA & Bama?
— Kate 💐 (@ladykateblacket) January 3, 2025
Others took a more empathetic approach.
One user commented, “I have always loved Burton but he struggles staying out of his own way. Until he can get his off the field behavior to match his on field talent, this cycle will continue. I hope he can put it all together.”
I have always loved Burton but he struggles staying out of his own way. Until he can get his off the field behavior to match his on field talent, this cycle will continue. I hope he can put it all together.
— Lee Harbour (@leeharbour14) January 3, 2025
Then there’s the speculation.
One fan asked, “Curious about what led to Burton sitting this one out because the timing feels significant with playoffs right around the corner,” suggesting that something more is at play behind the scenes.
In a similar vein, another fan simply said, “Sounds about right! He must’ve screwed up again!”
All signs point to a bigger issue, but until Burton can get out of his own way, his NFL journey might remain stalled.
Burton’s Rookie Season Ends Early: Coach’s Decision Stirs Controversy
Burton’s rookie season with the Bengals just hit a hard stop. The receiver, who was drafted in the third round of 2024, won’t travel to Pittsburgh — yep, coach’s decision.
That’s a rough break for the guy who’s barely been seen on the field this year. With only four catches for 107 yards in 14 games, Burton’s rookie year has been more “watching from the sidelines” than “lighting it up.” He’s played 131 offensive snaps and 37 special-teams snaps.
To top it off, the Bengals’ playoff hopes are still hanging by a thread.
As the clock ticks down on their playoff dream, fans are not here for the “coach’s decision.” Instead of seeing Burton’s growth, they’re seeing a wasted opportunity — and they’re ready to voice it loud and clear.