Joe Burrow’s Unique Holiday Gift to His Offensive Linemen: Samurai Swords
In the world of professional football, the holiday season often brings with it a delightful tradition: quarterbacks showering their offensive linemen with extravagant gifts. These gifts are tokens of appreciation for the men who protect them on the field, and they range from luxurious watches to even vehicles. However, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow decided to take a different route this year, opting for a gift that is as unique as it is memorable.
On a chilly Thursday morning, following the team’s walk-through prep session, Burrow surprised his offensive linemen with a gift that would make any history enthusiast’s heart skip a beat: genuine samurai swords. These weren’t just any swords; they were ancient Japanese swords, some dating back as far as 1550, sourced from an armory in California. Each sword came with a letter detailing its rich history, adding a personal touch to the already extraordinary gift.
Right guard Alex Cappa, who previously played alongside Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was particularly thrilled with the gift. “My favorite gift I’ve ever gotten by far because it’s so different,” Cappa remarked. As the first player the Bengals signed to bolster Burrow’s protection after their Super Bowl LVI defeat, Cappa had the privilege of choosing his sword first. Burrow, aware of Cappa’s interest in history, ensured he was the first to enter the equipment room.
The sword Cappa selected, estimated to have been crafted in the mid-1600s, features intricate carvings of horses on its handle. The accompanying letter provided insights into the creation of both the blade and the handle, making it a truly special keepsake.
Joseph Bell, the owner of Collectors Armoury California, shared that he has received numerous orders and inquiries over the years, with basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar being a notable client. While Bell did not disclose the total cost of Burrow’s purchase, the store’s website lists Japanese swords in the range of $1,000 to $5,000. When Burrow approached Bell with his request, the armory had around 100 swords in stock. However, to meet Burrow’s specific requirements, Bell had to expand his collection, calling in favors to acquire additional swords. With earnest money already deposited by Burrow, Bell knew he was dealing with a serious customer, and within three weeks, the swords were ready for delivery.
Burrow, a one-time Pro Bowler, is currently enjoying his best season yet. He leads the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns and ranks third in Total QBR as the Bengals prepare to face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Despite Cincinnati’s disappointing 6-8 record, the team remains in playoff contention and is aiming for its third consecutive win.
While Burrow didn’t elaborate on the reasoning behind his choice of gifts, it might simply be a reflection of his personal style and interests. Over the years, Burrow has been known for his unique fashion choices, and perhaps he thought the swords were just “cool.”
The gesture also highlights the strong bond Burrow shares with his offensive linemen. Cappa noted that Burrow often joins the offensive line for group dinners and has been a supportive teammate throughout the years. Bengals rookie center Matt Lee, the last of the team’s 10 draft picks this year, suggested that there might be some symbolism in the gift, reflecting Burrow’s resilience and determination. Burrow is currently playing through a knee injury and is a contender for the Comeback Player of the Year Award after undergoing offseason surgery on his throwing wrist.
Regardless of the underlying symbolism, one thing is clear: the offensive linemen were thrilled with their gifts. Lee described the sword as the perfect gift, something he would never have purchased for himself but will proudly display. “When I’m 45 and someone asks me, ‘What’s the story about that?’ I’ll end it with, ‘And Joe Burrow gave it to me.’ And that might be the coolest part,” Lee said, reflecting on the significance of the gift.
- Joe Burrow leads the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns.
- The Bengals are currently 6-8 but still in playoff contention.
- Burrow’s unique gift choice reflects his personal style and strong team relationships.
Originally Written by: Ben Baby
