In the sixth episode of Netflix’s Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow discussed his unique way of showing appreciation to his team. Instead of gifting guns, which many offensive linemen preferred, Burrow surprised his linemen with samurai swords, a gesture made possible through Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone.
How Sylvester Stallone Helped Joe Burrow Secure Samurai Swords
Joe Burrow revealed that Sylvester Stallone played a key role in acquiring the samurai swords. Burrow explained that his assistant’s uncle is Stallone, who, during his role as Rambo, was interested in swords. Through Stallone’s connection, Burrow’s assistant found a Los Angeles shop that specialized in samurai swords, each accompanied by details about the warriors who originally wielded them.
“So, my assistant, her uncle is Sylvester Stallone,” Burrow said via Cincinnati.com. “When he was playing ‘Rambo’ back in the day, he wanted a sword. So he found this place in (Los Angeles) that had some swords. And she went to this place and found a bunch for me. They all had descriptions, what samurais wore them, when they were built. It was really cool.”
Reflecting on a Challenging 2024 Season and Offseason Goals
Burrow and the Bengals faced a tough 2024 campaign, finishing with a 9-8 record and missing the playoffs in the AFC North. Despite his impressive stats of 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, Burrow acknowledged that the team did not perform to its potential. He reflected on the season’s outcome and emphasized the importance of self-improvement during the offseason to help the team succeed moving forward.
“If I had played better, we wouldn’t have been in that spot that we were in,” Burrow said via Bengals.com. “I just focus on getting better myself, and I feel like everyone in the locker room feels the same way. If I go out there and play better than last year, then it doesn’t matter what goes on anywhere else.”
Exploring Joe Burrow’s Interests Beyond Football
Outside of the gridiron, Burrow also shared his fascination with prehistoric fossils in the show. A clip released by Netflix highlights his visit to the Natural History Museum, where he was shown a rare collection of fossils not typically accessible to the public, underscoring his curiosity and passion for learning.
“We went to the Natural History Museum,” Burrow said. “They took us behind the scenes and showed us some really cool stuff. It’s like a library of fossils that they don’t show everybody else… When aren’t fossils on your mind? They got back millions of years. That’s sick.”
Looking Ahead to the 2025 NFL Season
As the Bengals prepare for the 2025 season, starting with a matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Burrow and his team aim to build on lessons from last year and target a playoff appearance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the quarterback’s dedication and leadership can steer Cincinnati back into contention.