NFL executive indicates Joe Burrow’s wish could come true for the Cincinnati Bengals this year
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow wants to play in an international game, and he has the attention of NFL Vice President of Broadcast Planning Mike North to make it a reality this upcoming season.
Joe Burrow wants the Cincinnati Bengals to play in an international game, and the NFL knows it.
NFL Media Vice President of Broadcast Planning Mike North acknowledged Burrow’s desire to go overseas, and revealed to Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson that Cincinnati has a real shot at playing in one of two regular season games in Europe this year.
“He’s been vocal about it. I remember he was pretty disappointed last year when you guys didn’t go. I think that’s a real possibility for the Bengals this year. Certainly, they’re a candidate to go play Washington in London, certainly a candidate to go play Atlanta in Madrid. They’ve got one of those fan bases, thanks in large part to the quarterback, that resonates in Europe and across the planet.”
NFL VP of broadcast planning Mike north
via Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson
Joe Burrow has been wanting to play overseas for years
The Bengals last played on foreign soil in 2019 when they faced the Los Angeles Rams. It was the same year head coach Zac Taylor was hired away from them. Burrow was still dicing up the SEC on his way to a National Championship with LSU. The only times he’s since been across the pond was for his own pleasure, including modeling a back-less suit jacket during the Vogue World fashion show in Paris.
Burrow has yet to play football over there, and he’s made it known he wants to check that box. He publicly wished to play against the Miami Dolphins in the league’s first-ever matchup in Madrid. The Washington Commanders were selected instead.
Not long after the 2025 schedule was revealed, Burrow clarified how important playing outside the U.S. would be to him.
“Maybe an international game next year too,” Burrow said last May regarding what he wants from the Bengals’ 2026 schedule. “I think part of the reason I wanted to do the ‘Quarterback’ show, I wanted to help grow the game internationally, and so to not have a stage like that is a little disappointing, because I feel like I’ve consciously worked hard to try to grow the game internationally over the last 18 months or so. So hopefully at some point in my career we can go over there.”
Bengals are eligible and overdue for an international game
As North pointed out, Cincinnati is on the road against both the Commanders and Atlanta Falcons this season. Both NFC clubs will be the home team of two international games. Washington will play in London, and Atlanta will play in Madrid.
If Burrow gets his wish, he will be facing one of those teams next fall. Playing in one of the games this year would also help balance the Bengals’ schedule.
Cincinnati has nine road games to only eight home games this coming season. The entire AFC will have one fewer home games this year before it switches over to the NFC in 2027.
It’s felt like the Bengals have been on the doorstep for a trip of their own ever since Burrow has helped elevate them into relevancy this decade. It once again feels like Burrow is on the precipice of seeing his desire fulfilled.
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