Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow nearly gave his fans a collective heart attack this Saturday.
Burrow agreed to compete in the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. He was named a co-captain for Wildcats FFC along with Washington Commanders star Jayden Daniels. They drafted Saquon Barkley, Logan Paul, Kyle Juszczyk, Davante Adams, Luke Kuechly, Derwin James Jr., Jalen Ramsey, DeAndre Hopkins, Odell Beckham Jr. and IShowSpeed to their roster.
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During the second quarter of Saturday’s game against the U.S. men’s national flag football team, Burrow tried to make a play for the Wildcats while they were trailing 32-14. It was a high-risk, high-reward play that nearly ended in him suffering a knee injury.
Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) leaves the field after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images© Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.
(© Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.)
As you’d imagine, NFL fans were seriously worried about Burrow’s health. They thought he ended his 2026 season before it even started.
“Joe Burrow almost got his ACL tore,” one fan said.
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“How are the Bengals allowing Joe Burrow to play in this,” a social media user commented.
“Why is Joe Burrow playing in this flag football game when he can’t even stay on the field in the NFL,” a third fan asked.
“Burrow should not be out there,” another fan declared.
Burrow and the Wildcats were picked apart.
Saturday’s game between Wildcats FFC and the U.S. men’s national flag football team wasn’t particularly close.
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After Darrell “Housh” Doucette III scored a touchdown on the U.S. team’s opening drive, Burrow threw a pick-six to put the Wildcats in an immediate two-possession hole. When it was all said and done, the U.S. national team had its way with the Wildcats.
The U.S. team will now try to flex its muscles against Tom Brady, Jalen Hurts and Founders FFC.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
