La’el Collins credits Joe Burrow for decision to join Bengals

Offensive lineman La’el Collins made the big decision to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, becoming a key anchor protecting Joe Burrow. The quarterback was one of the main reasons why Collins decided Cincinnati was the place for him as well.

Collins credited Burrow for helping bring him to the Bengals, adding that the pair got to spend time together on Friday before Collins signed.

“One of the coolest guys you’ll ever meet,” Collins said of Burrow, via Geoff Hobson of the team’s official website. “Down to earth and a guy I just want to protect without a doubt. Just visualizing that moment of winning that championship (at LSU) and knowing how he felt after that game and Chase and all those guys felt to being able to bring that here, I think we’ve got something special and we could get it done.”

Burrow and Collins both attended LSU, though not at the same time. Collins said the pair did some “partying” briefly after the Tigers’ national title win, but were not well-acquainted until now.

Collins had another great quote about Burrow after signing his contract. The Bengals clearly have something great in place based on anecdotes like these.

Photo: Jun 13, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard La’el Collins (71) during minicamp at The Star at Cowboys World Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports