Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has embraced his role as a tourist in Madrid, taking advantage of an early arrival to explore the Spanish capital. The team flew out ahead of schedule to help players adjust to the time difference before facing the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Zac Taylor granted the squad a full day off on Wednesday, allowing many athletes to visit local landmarks. Burrow chose to visit the Museo del Prado, a decision he described as cool during a press conference on Friday.
The quarterback admitted he had been looking forward to the trip since the NFL announced the Madrid game schedule in May. He expressed excitement about visiting a country he had not previously seen. While Burrow enjoys the anonymity of walking through unfamiliar streets, he noted that recognition is still possible. He recounted an instance where a group of American students studying abroad identified him, which surprised him given his expectation of going incognito.
Burrow revealed that packing for the trip was handled by his mother and his assistant, Kyle Smith. He stated that packing a suitcase is his least favorite task in the world. By delegating the responsibility, he ensured he had the right fit for Sunday's game without the usual stress. He is also considering visiting more museums and art galleries on Friday evening, though he has not finalized his plans.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins is experiencing his first time in Europe, which he described as surreal. He noted that bringing his family to the continent for the first time made the trip even more meaningful. Higgins has been one of the NFL's top performers this season, averaging over 100 receiving yards per game. He leads the Bengals with 43 catches for 726 yards, a statistic shared only with Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the league.
Fellow receiver Ja'Marr Chase also commented on his partnership with Higgins. Chase said it is fun working with him and that they constantly make each other better. During the team's off day, Chase mentioned he was initially annoyed by the local food options but has since adjusted. He joked that he missed his personal chef but is now managing well.
Right tackle Amarius Mims spent his time visiting the Real Casa de Correos and walking around the city with the offensive line. Mims admitted to struggling with the six-hour time difference. He described a chaotic sleep schedule where he woke up in the middle of the night to watch a Philadelphia 76ers game before sleeping again. He eventually woke up for the day at 7:30 a.m. local time. During his walks, Mims met police officers and even bumped into a Bengals fan, a common occurrence as Cincinnati supporters have filled the city.
The Bengals will be listed as the visiting team in Sunday's 9:30 a.m. ET game against the Falcons. However, the presence of numerous Bengals fans in Madrid may make the game feel less like a home contest for Atlanta. The team is currently on a surge, holding a 5-2 record. A victory over the Falcons would set up a critical AFC North showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10, with first place on the line.
Despite the upcoming stakes, the players are focused on enjoying their time away. Burrow called the trip a dream come true, as he has always wanted to visit Spain. The team plans to finalize their preparation and aim for a win to cap off their international experience.
