Jake Browning’s calm, steady hand is once again in the spotlight, and this time the stage could last much longer. With Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow recovering from two surgeries, the latest on his injured toe that will sideline him for at least three months, Browning — the Folsom High School legend who once shattered national passing records under the Friday night lights — is stepping into the starting role for one of the NFL’s most high-powered offenses.
The injury to Burrow, announced Monday, is a major blow to the Bengals’ season. Burrow left Sunday’s 31-27 victory over Jacksonville on crutches after being sacked in the second quarter. He has already endured a torn knee in 2020 and a wrist injury in 2023, and now his absence throws Cincinnati’s hopes into the hands of Browning, who has proven he can deliver when called upon.
Browning’s latest performance showcased that resilience. Thrust into action, he completed 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions, and capped the game with a dramatic one-yard leap into the end zone with just 18 seconds left to seal the Bengals’ victory. “I know it wasn’t my best game, but we won, so Sundays are happy,” Browning said afterward. “But come Monday, we’ll come in and get better.”
For Folsom fans, this moment feels like a continuation of a story that began a decade ago. As the Bulldogs’ quarterback, Browning rewrote California’s record books, throwing for 16,775 yards and 229 touchdowns in his prep career. His senior season in 2014 remains legendary: a 16-0 campaign, a CIF State Division I championship, and a national record-tying 91 touchdown passes. Twice named Gatorade California Player of the Year, he also maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA — a testament to his discipline on and off the field.
From Folsom, Browning went on to star at the University of Washington, where he became the Huskies’ all-time passing leader, a four-year starter who carried his team to a Pac-12 title and a College Football Playoff berth. After going undrafted in 2019, he signed with Minnesota, then found his footing with Cincinnati, where he has patiently worked his way from practice squad to starter.
When Burrow missed time in 2023, Browning proved he belonged, completing over 70 percent of his passes in seven starts — one of the best marks in franchise history — while throwing for more than 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. That run made him just the third NFL quarterback since 1950 to post those numbers in his first seven career starts. He also went 4-3 as a starter in that stretch, earning respect across the league for his poise under pressure.
Now, with Burrow sidelined for months and the Bengals facing a grueling schedule against playoff-caliber teams, Browning becomes the focal point of Cincinnati’s season. Surrounded by elite weapons like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, he carries the responsibility of keeping the Bengals in the playoff hunt. His teammates say he’s ready. Wide receiver Tee Higgins described him as “the calm one” in the huddle, and coaches praise his preparation and confidence.
For the people of Folsom, it’s another moment of pride. The same quarterback who once filled Prairie City Stadium with record-breaking performances now has the chance to carry one of the NFL’s most prominent franchises through adversity. And just like before, his community will be cheering every throw.
Browning himself summed it up simply: “It wasn’t perfect, but we won.” Now, with the season squarely on his shoulders, Folsom’s own quarterback has the chance to prove once again that he’s ready for the moment.
Fans can catch Browning and the Bengals in action this Sunday when Cincinnati travels to face the Minnesota Vikings. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Eastern, 10 a.m. Pacific, and the game will be televised on Local 12 in Cincinnati and CBS affiliates nationwide.
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