Scott Burson & Sam Smathers discussing and signing From Bulldog to Bengal: The Joe Burrow Story Through the Eyes of His Hometown

Saturday, June 3 at 2pm ET 

Location: Joseph-Beth Cincinnati 

Join us for Scott Burson & Sam Smathers discussing and signing From Bulldog to Bengal: The Joe Burrow Story Through the Eyes of His Hometown. Optional RSVP is below, but not required to attend the event.

From Bulldog to Bengal is the remarkable story of Joe Burrow, a small-town boy whose hard work, stoic nature and mental tenacity have taken him to the top of the football mountain.

Burrow has ascended to the peak, but not without challenges. His story includes doubters and recruiting snubs. It includes waiting for a turn that would never come at Ohio State. It includes placing a bet on himself and transferring to LSU. It includes a devastating injury and the toughest test of his life.

Ultimately, this is a story about staying grounded. Burrow has made it to the top of the mountain by keeping his head out of the clouds and feet firmly planted in Southeastern Ohio soil. From shining a light on food insecurity during his Heisman speech to wearing clothing and cleats designed by hometown kids, Burrow has never forgotten his roots and those who have helped him along the way.

Scott Burson is Professor of Philosophical Theology at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), where he has taught onsite and online courses in philosophy, theology, and sports ministry since 2008. He is the author of four books. His most recent book, From Bulldog to Bengal: The Joe Burrow Story Through the Eyes of His Hometown (Orange Frazer Press, 2023), is co-authored with Joe Burrow's youth football coach, Sam Smathers. Burson grew up in Burrow's hometown of Athens, Ohio, and was the starting point guard on a state-ranked Athens High School basketball team 30 years before Burrow played the same position for the Bulldogs.

Sam Smathers was Joe Burrow's youth football coach from third through sixth grade.