Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals Head to Madrid: A Global Showcase
How do you say Joe in Spanish? The Cincinnati Bengals, led by quarterback Jose Burrow, are set to play their first international game in seven years against the Atlanta Falcons on November 8 in Madrid. The NFL announced the game, which will take place at the iconic Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, and will be broadcast on NFL Network at 9:30 a.m. Mike North, NFL vice president for broadcast planning, highlighted the Bengals' strong fan base in Europe, thanks in part to Burrow's popularity.
Burrow sees the international game as an opportunity for the Bengals to expand their reach globally, much like the NBA did in the '80s and '90s. He believes the team is well-equipped for the challenge after a productive offseason of roster improvements. Head coach Zac Taylor views the game as a chance to showcase the Bengals' brand on an international stage and is excited about the opportunity to grow the game of football globally.
This will be Burrow's first international game, as well as left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.'s first overseas trip in his nine-year career. The Bengals are looking forward to the game as a chance to engage with fans abroad and potentially secure a bye week following the matchup. The team is eager to experience Spain and use the trip as an opportunity for team bonding and growth.
The Bengals have played two international games in London in the past, with their last overseas game resulting in a loss to the Rams in 2019. Taylor, who has experience coaching in international games, sees the Madrid matchup as a valuable opportunity to showcase the Bengals' talent on a global stage. The team is optimistic about the game's potential impact on their season and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.