Bengals Coach Addresses Burrow's Flag Football Participation

Zac Taylor weighs in on quarterback's off-season activities.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:58pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp planes of color representing the dynamic action on the field.Bengals coach Zac Taylor navigates the unpredictable risks of star quarterback Joe Burrow's off-season activities.Phoenix Today

At the NFL's annual meetings, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor discussed quarterback Joe Burrow's participation in flag football during the off-season. Taylor acknowledged that there are unpredictable risks involved, but emphasized the importance of allowing players to enjoy their free time.

Why it matters

Burrow's health and availability are critical to the Bengals' success, so the team must balance allowing him to pursue outside interests while also protecting him from potential injuries during the off-season.

The details

During the AFC head coach breakfast at the NFL's annual meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was asked about Burrow's participation in flag football. Taylor stated that there are many unplanned factors that can arise when players engage in activities outside of their regular football routine, but that the team trusts Burrow to make responsible decisions about his off-season training.

  • The NFL's annual meetings took place in late March 2026.

The players

Zac Taylor

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of things you can't plan for before you see the game happening,”

— Zac Taylor, Head Coach

The takeaway

The Bengals must balance allowing their star quarterback to enjoy his free time with the need to protect him from potential injuries during the off-season. Coach Taylor's comments suggest the team is taking a measured approach, trusting Burrow's judgment while also acknowledging the inherent risks of activities outside the team's control.