The Cincinnati Bengals arrived early in Spain to prepare for their upcoming matchup, and quarterback Joe Burrow has fully embraced tourist mode in Madrid. Head coach Zac Taylor granted the team a day off on Wednesday, allowing players to explore the Spanish capital ahead of Sunday’s game.
Exploring Madrid and Enjoying Anonymity
Burrow spent his free time visiting the Museo del Prado, describing the experience as cool during a Friday press conference. The quarterback expressed his long-standing excitement for the trip after the NFL scheduled the Madrid game, a location he requested back in 2025.
One aspect Burrow has particularly appreciated is the ability to walk around largely unrecognized, allowing him to feel like a normal person. However, he did encounter a group of American students studying abroad during his travels, which came as a surprise.
When it came to packing for the international journey, Burrow avoided his least favorite task entirely. He revealed that his mother and his assistant, Kyle Smith, handled packing his suitcase for the trip.
Teammates Adjust to Europe
Other Bengals players have also been making the most of their downtime in Spain. Right tackle Amarius Mims visited the Real Casa de Correos and made new friends, though he initially struggled with the six-hour time difference by waking up early to watch an NBA game. Mims and the offensive line also spent time walking around the city, where they ran into excited fans.
With Bengals supporters outnumbering Atlanta Falcons fans in Madrid, the designated visiting team atmosphere may feel quite different on Sunday. For wide receiver Tee Higgins, the journey marks a major milestone as his first time visiting Europe. Higgins noted that crossing the Atlantic with his family felt surreal and amazing given his background.
Higgins has enjoyed a strong season alongside teammate Ja’Marr Chase, though Chase admitted he initially struggled to find food he liked on his first day in the city. Currently holding a 5-2 record, the surging Bengals are focused on enjoying their international experience before facing the Falcons on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET.
