CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had items ready for his offensive linemen following the group’s walk-through prep session Thursday morning.
During the vacation season, quarterbacks bestow their on-field protectors with lavish items. Some purchase costly watches. Others give vehicles.
Burrow opted for one thing extra distinctive — real samurai swords.
When the offensive linemen walked into the group’s tools room, they every picked an historical Japanese sword, some from way back to 1550. Acquired from an armory in California, every present got here with a letter about its historical past.
“My favourite present I’ve ever gotten by far as a result of it is so completely different,” mentioned proper guard Alex Cappa, who beforehand blocked for Tom Brady throughout their time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cappa, who was the primary participant the Bengals signed to beef up Burrow’s safety following the group’s Super Bowl LVI defeat, bought first dibs on selecting a sword. Burrow says he knew that Cappa appreciated historical past, so the 6-foot-6, 312-pound lineman was the primary to poke his head into the room.
The swords have been simply a part of the present. Cappa’s weapon, which is estimated to have existed for the reason that mid-1600s, options horses carved into the deal with. The letter that accompanied the sword detailed the blade and deal with’s creation.
Joseph Bell, proprietor of Collectors Armoury California, instructed ESPN he has fielded a number of orders and inquiries through the years. Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was as soon as a daily shopper. While Bell declined to reveal the full value, the shop’s web site advertises that Japanese swords roughly vary from $1,000 to $5,000.
When Burrow made the request, Bell mentioned he had roughly 100 swords in stock. But primarily based on what Burrow was on the lookout for, the proprietor of the 49-year-old store had so as to add to his assortment. Since Burrow had already put down an undisclosed quantity of earnest cash towards the acquisition, Bell knew he was a severe buyer. In three weeks, Burrow’s present haul was prepared.
“I used to be in a position to name in a few favors and get a couple of different swords from different folks,” Bell mentioned.
Burrow, a one-time Pro Bowler, is within the midst of his finest season so far.
Burrow presently leads the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns and is third in Total QBR heading into Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati (6-8) has had a disappointing season, particularly contemplating Burrow’s success, however remains to be in playoff competition and is on the lookout for its third straight win.
Burrow did not actually go into a lot element about why the items have been chosen. It may very well be the identical ethos that has pushed his style decisions through the years: He thought they have been cool.
The present additionally speaks to the connection Burrow has along with his offensive linemen. Cappa mentioned Burrow will attend the offensive line’s group dinners and has been an amazing teammate through the years.
Bengals rookie middle Matt Lee, the final of the group’s 10 draft picks this yr, mentioned there could be some symbolism with the present and the way Burrow carries himself. He is presently taking part in by means of a knee damage and is vying to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award following offseason surgical procedure on his throwing wrist.
But what is definite is how a lot the offensive linemen loved the items. Lee referred to as it the right present as a result of the sword is one thing he would by no means purchase on his personal however will all the time be on show.
“When I’m 45 and somebody asks me, ‘What’s the story about that?’ I’ll finish it with, ‘And Joe Burrow gave it to me.’ And that could be the best half,'” Lee mentioned, referencing the sword.
