Is it too early to call Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow a future Hall of Famer?

Probably.

But you're lying if you say the thought hasn't crossed your mind.

Burrow's immediate impact on the Bengals franchise has been nothing short of incredible. In just two years, Cincinnati went from a punch line to one of the favorites in the AFC.

That's entirely because of the presence of Burrow. His calmness and leadership — even in the toughest of moments — make everyone around him better. And if Burrow continues on this path, he's going to be enshrined in Canton one day (maybe 20-25 years from now with a few rings on his fingers).

The main reason the former LSU star is so good?

It's because adversity doesn't phase Burrow.

In fact, Burrow thrives in the face of adversity.

The former Heisman Trophy winner has been dealing with adversity his whole life. From riding the bench at Ohio State to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic as a rookie quarterback who was anointed as the starter the moment he was drafted to tearing his ACL late in 2020, it's never been easy for Burrow.

“My whole career has been coming back from speed bumps and adversity,” said Burrow on Wednesday. “I don’t know anything else.”

Burrow just returned to Bengals practice this week after dealing with a ruptured appendix in late July. He needs to gain weight before the start of the season. And while he won't explicitly say it, it's likely that Burrow won't be 100 percent for the season opener on September 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But because he's Joe Burrow — a player who smiles in the face of a challenge — Bengals fans shouldn't be the least bit concerned about him being ready for the start of the 2022 season.

This is where Burrow rises above the competition — even when he's at a disadvantage.

The players who can do that — the ones who can shine despite facing tough obstacles — are the ones who reach the Hall of Fame.

And that's why Burrow is destined to wear a gold jacket.

It would be appropriate, after all, for the man who played high school football in Ohio, spent three years at Ohio State, and is now the savior of the Bengals to have his career end in Canton, OH one day.

Of course, there's a lot that has to happen between now and then. But I'm beyond confident we're about to see a special career unfold for Joseph Lee Burrow.

Featured image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK