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In Episode 6 of Netflix’s documentary series Quarterback, Joe Burrow opened up about the importance of building strong connections with his teammates. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback discussed his efforts to find meaningful holiday gifts for his offensive linemen — many of whom initially requested firearms.
Instead, Burrow took a different route and gifted them samurai swords. While chatting with an official during a game, Burrow explained how he managed to get his hands on such unique presents, crediting action legend Sylvester Stallone.
“My assistant’s uncle is Sylvester Stallone,” Burrow shared, as reported by Cincinnati.com. “When he was filming Rambo years ago, he wanted a sword. He found this place in Los Angeles that had some really cool ones. My assistant went there and found several for me. Each sword came with a description — who the samurai was, when it was made. It was really cool.”
Joe Burrow reflects on Bengals’ 2024 struggles
Now preparing for his sixth NFL season, Burrow is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 campaign. The Bengals finished with a 9-8 record and placed third in the AFC North, missing the playoffs. Burrow still managed to put up impressive individual numbers, throwing for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns.
Joe Burrow: Sylvester Stallone aided samurai sword gift for Bengals’ offensive linemen https://t.co/lyVV1HmAvL
— Enquirer (@Enquirer) July 11, 2025
Speaking recently via Bengals.com, Burrow took responsibility for the team’s performance and emphasized personal growth.
“If I had played better, we wouldn’t have been in that spot,” he said. “My focus is just on improving myself. I know everyone in the locker room feels the same way. If I play better than I did last year, it won’t matter what else happens around us.”
Burrow’s surprising interest beyond football
The documentary also highlighted one of Burrow’s lesser-known passions: prehistoric fossils. In a segment shared by Netflix on social media, the quarterback described a memorable visit to a natural history museum.
“When aren’t fossils on your mind? They go back millions of years. That’s sick.”
Joe Burrow talking about his love for fossils is the best thing ever 😂
Quarterback Season 2 is now playing on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/ruDQsjBDjj
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) July 8, 2025
“We got a behind-the-scenes tour,” Burrow recalled. “They showed us some amazing things — a whole collection of fossils that most people don’t get to see. It’s like a fossil library. I mean, how could you not think fossils are cool? They go back millions of years. That’s wild.”
As the Bengals prepare to open their 2025 season against the Cleveland Browns in September, the spotlight will be on Burrow to lead Cincinnati back into playoff contention.
