The 2019 LSU Tigers And Joe Burrow: The Greatest College Team Ever Or Just Overhyped?

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The 2019 LSU Tigers weren’t just a great college football team—they were a once-in-a-generation powerhouse. That season, LSU showcased one of the most dominant offenses in NCAA history, going 15-0 and winning the National Championship. But their success didn’t stop there. The stars from that historic team have gone on to thrive in the NFL, collectively earning contracts worth over $800 million and counting.

From Joe Burrow’s record-breaking contract to Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson becoming the highest-paid wide receivers, LSU’s 2019 roster has redefined what it means to transition from college greatness to professional dominance.

The 2019 LSU Tigers: The Greatest College Team Ever?

Many experts and fans argue that no college team in history compares to the 2019 LSU Tigers. The numbers back it up.

15-0 record, the first undefeated national champion in the College Football Playoff era
48.4 points per game, leading the nation in scoring
Defeated seven top-10 opponents, including Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson
Joe Burrow threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, breaking records on his way to the Heisman Trophy
Produced multiple first-round NFL Draft picks

LSU’s offensive explosion was unlike anything college football had ever seen. Head coach Ed Orgeron, along with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, built an attack that blended NFL-style passing with college-level speed and aggression. The result? A team that dismantled every opponent in its path.

NFL Superstars: The Legacy Continues

What made the 2019 LSU team special wasn’t just what they accomplished in college—it’s how they’ve dominated the NFL since.

LSU’s championship roster has now earned more than $800 million in NFL contracts, with several players becoming the highest-paid at their positions. Here’s a closer look at their biggest stars and the record-breaking contracts they’ve signed.

Joe Burrow: The Face of the Cincinnati Bengals

Contract: 5 years, $275 million ($219M guaranteed) – Highest-paid QB in NFL when signed

Joe Burrow was the leader of LSU’s historic team, winning the Heisman Trophy and delivering a near-flawless season. He was selected #1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft and has since transformed the franchise.

Led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI, their first in 33 years
Won the 2022 AFC Championship
Became one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, setting multiple passing records

His five-year, $275 million extension signed in 2023 made him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history at the time. Burrow is now the face of a Bengals team that has turned into a perennial Super Bowl contender.

Ja’Marr Chase: Electrifying Playmaker

Contract: 4 years, $161 million ($112M guaranteed) – Highest-paid WR in NFL when signed

Burrow’s favorite target at LSU, Ja’Marr Chase, followed him to Cincinnati after being drafted fifth overall in 2021. The two have recreated their college chemistry in the NFL, making the Bengals one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.

2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year with 81 catches, 1,455 yards, and 13 TDs
Set the NFL rookie record for most receiving yards in a season
Two-time Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro selection

Chase’s success led to a four-year, $161 million contract extension in 2025, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history at the time.

Justin Jefferson: The Gold Standard at WR

Contract: 4 years, $140 million ($100M guaranteed) – Highest-paid WR in NFL when signed

While Chase thrived in Cincinnati, Justin Jefferson became the star of the Minnesota Vikings. After being drafted 22nd overall in 2020, Jefferson wasted no time proving he was one of the best receivers in the game.

NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2022)
Holds the record for most receiving yards in a player’s first three seasons
Known for his elite route-running and the famous “Griddy” touchdown dance

Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension in 2024, cementing his place as one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.

Derek Stingley Jr.: Lockdown Corner

Contract: 3 years, $90 million ($89M guaranteed) – Highest-paid CB in NFL when signed

LSU wasn’t just about offense—Derek Stingley Jr. was a shutdown cornerback as a freshman. His elite coverage skills made him a top-3 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he quickly became one of the best defensive backs in the league.

Earned NFL All-Pro honors in just his second season
Top-rated coverage grade among cornerbacks in 2023
Signed a three-year, $90 million contract in 2025, the biggest deal for a cornerback at the time

Other Notable 2019 LSU Stars in the NFL

Several other LSU players have secured major NFL contracts:

Patrick Queen (LB): 4 years, $41 million (Baltimore Ravens)
Grant Delpit (S): 4 years, $36 million (Cleveland Browns)
Kristian Fulton (CB): 3 years, $20 million (Tennessee Titans)
Damien Lewis (OL): 4 years, $53 million (Carolina Panthers)
Lloyd Cushenberry (C): 4 years, $50 million (Tennessee Titans)

Together, these players have helped set the standard for what an elite college team can achieve in the NFL.

Why the 2019 LSU Team Was Built for NFL Success

LSU’s 2019 squad wasn’t just talented—they were NFL-ready. Here’s why so many of them transitioned seamlessly to the pros:

1. Pro-Style Offensive System

Under Joe Brady, LSU’s offense resembled a modern NFL passing attack, giving players an advantage when transitioning to the league.

2. SEC Competition

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) produces the most NFL talent, and LSU’s players faced top-tier opponents every week.

3. Physical and Mental Toughness

Playing in big games—from Alabama showdowns to the National Championship—prepared LSU’s stars for the high-pressure environment of the NFL.

The Lasting Impact of LSU’s 2019 Squad

Few college teams have ever produced as many elite NFL players as the 2019 LSU Tigers. With over $800 million in NFL contracts and multiple record-breaking deals, this roster continues to shape the league.

Their success sets a new benchmark for future college teams, proving that a truly great team can leave a lasting legacy beyond just one championship season.

As these players continue to dominate in the NFL, the 2019 LSU Tigers will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in football history.

Final Thoughts

The 2019 LSU Tigers weren’t just a great college team—they were a launchpad for NFL superstardom. With MVPs, All-Pros, and record-breaking contracts, their players have rewritten what it means to transition from college dominance to NFL greatness.

From Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, this group’s legacy isn’t just about their national championship—it’s about how they changed football forever.