One of the NFL’s more unique traditions is the thoughtful—and often extravagant—gifts quarterbacks give their offensive linemen during the holiday season. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow raised the bar this year, delivering a truly extraordinary and symbolic gift to the men who protect him on the field.
After Thursday’s practice, Burrow surprised his offensive linemen with authentic Japanese katana swords. These intricately designed weapons, steeped in history and tradition, each came with a unique backstory tied to a specific town or battle, according to The Athletic.
To make the moment even more special, Burrow arranged for the swords to be displayed in a room where the linemen could individually select their preferred blade.
While the reactions from the players were overwhelmingly positive, there’s no word yet on how their spouses felt about them returning home with a samurai sword in hand.
A Gift with Meaning
Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown was particularly moved by Burrow’s choice of gift, emphasizing its significance.
“Joe does a great job at buying gifts that are extremely meaningful,” Brown told The Athletic. “The fact that he bought me a sword—it’s the most ancient form of respect.”
Burrow’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail resonated deeply with his teammates, making this gift far more than just a flashy holiday gesture.
Fans React to Burrow’s “Bada**” Gesture
Unsurprisingly, fans were blown away by the creativity and thoughtfulness behind Burrow’s gift. Social media erupted with praise, with many dubbing the gesture “bada**.”
“That’s a bada** gift!! Nicely done,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“This is absolutely epic,” said another.
“What a legend,” a third user simply declared.
One Bengals fan joked about the potential risks of wielding such weapons, writing, “If we have linemen show up this weekend missing fingers, I’ll be mad!!”
The Katana’s Cultural Significance
Katanas, once wielded by Japanese samurai warriors, are widely recognized as symbols of honor, respect, and discipline. Their legacy has transcended history to appear prominently in popular culture.
The weapon played a central role in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill series, where the iconic blades were crafted by the fictional samurai-turned-swordsmith Hattori Hanzo, inspired by a real-life figure. Additionally, in the hit TV series 24, protagonist Jack Bauer’s final showdown with villain Cheng Zhi culminates in Bauer using a katana—a rare moment in the series that fans remember vividly.
By choosing the katana, Burrow not only gifted his teammates a unique artifact but also a symbolic nod to the respect and camaraderie they share on the field.
Bengals’ Playoff Hopes
The Bengals are currently 6-8 and face an uphill battle to make the playoffs. With just three games left in the regular season, they will likely need to win out to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Regardless of their record, Burrow’s gift reflects his leadership and appreciation for his team, qualities that will serve the Bengals well as they fight for a spot in the playoffs.
A Gesture to Remember
Joe Burrow’s katana swords weren’t just an extraordinary Christmas gift—they were a statement. They symbolized respect, gratitude, and a bond shared between a quarterback and his protectors. While the Bengals’ season remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Burrow’s leadership off the field is as sharp as his game on it.
