Joe Burrow's parents Jimmy and Robin haven't seen their son since he became the highest-paid player in NFL history. They'll have to wait to give him a hug and congratulate him after the 100th "Battle of Ohio" today in Cleveland.
Before news broke Thursday that the Cincinnati Bengals were giving Burrow a five-year, $275 million extension with an average annual salary of $55 million, Jimmy and Robin were sitting in their living room in Athens, Ohio. Then they saw a text message from their son.
"The deal is done."
Robin told Jimmy to text Joe back, "Can you give us a call?!"
When Jimmy tells the story he laughs knowing so many parents can relate, maybe not to the details of the news but to its meaningfulness in the family context. I spoke with him Saturday while he and Robin rode around in an RV visiting Cincinnati restaurants for their program "Dine For 9," which pledges to give nine percent of proceeds on 9/9 in support of hunger security.
He said Joe finally called, and it was a quick conversation.
"We are so happy it's over," Jimmy Burrow said. "It was a complex negotiation. Both sides were so professional. We always knew it was going to get done, we just were waiting for that text or call."
There's no celebration or even a family dinner planned to appreciate this historic moment for the Burrows.
"Joe is only focused on the Browns," his father said. "That's just how he is. Even this past week we were in Cincinnati and we wanted to stop by his house to see him for a few minutes. He told us 'no.'"
He explained to his parents, who have a scheduled call with him once a week, that he was watching film and didn't have time to step away.
"That's just Joe," his father said. "It's like that all the time. Even for home games, we stay at his house but we aren't allowed to come over until he leaves for the hotel. We don't see him until after games. He's super focused."
Any parent may take offense to their son not wanting to spend time together, but Jimmy and Robin understand this is part of his preparations.
I asked Jimmy if he's thought about what he will say to Joe after the game, "I'll probably just make a comment about his play and ask if he's feeling OK. Like any other game."
Like father, like son.
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