Joe Burrow Shines in Fanatics Flag Football Classic

Cincinnati's star QB leads Team Wildcats to big plays in round-robin event

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:21am

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow put on a show during the first Fanatics Flag Football Classic, leading Team Wildcats to a strong performance in the round-robin tournament. Burrow and his teammates, which included NFL stars like Saquon Barkley and DeAndre Hopkins, showcased their skills and scored multiple touchdowns throughout the event.

Why it matters

The Fanatics Flag Football Classic provided an opportunity for NFL players to showcase their talents in a fun, competitive setting. Burrow's standout performance highlighted his versatility and ability to excel in different football formats, building excitement for his potential participation in the 2028 Olympics if flag football is included as an event.

The details

Burrow played alongside fellow quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts, leading Team Wildcats against Tom Brady's Team Founders and the official U.S. Flag Football roster. Burrow and his team put on an impressive display, with the Bengals' star throwing for multiple touchdowns, including connections with Barkley, Kuechly, and Hopkins.

  • The Fanatics Flag Football Classic took place on March 21, 2026.
  • Burrow expressed his desire to play for the U.S. flag football team in the 2028 Olympics.

The players

Joe Burrow

The star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, known for his exceptional talent and leadership on the field.

Jayden Daniels

A quarterback who played alongside Burrow on Team Wildcats in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.

Saquon Barkley

A running back who was part of Team Wildcats and showcased his skills alongside Burrow.

DeAndre Hopkins

A wide receiver who teamed up with Burrow on Team Wildcats and caught a touchdown pass from the Bengals' QB.

Luke Kuechly

A linebacker who played for Team Wildcats and scored a touchdown on a pass from Burrow.

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What they’re saying

“I've always wanted to play in the Olympics. I've never necessarily played an Olympic sport before, so when this got announced, I was pretty excited about it. The opportunity to win a gold medal is something that I've thought about -- a moment like that -- for a long time, since I was a kid. I think it would be something very special.”

— Joe Burrow

“Foi divertido hoje. Acho que melhoramos muito. […] Meu plano é ganhar. Ganhar todos os jogos de futebol americano.”

— Joe Burrow

What’s next

The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is expected to become an annual event, with the potential for Burrow and other NFL stars to participate in future editions. Additionally, the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics could provide Burrow with the opportunity to represent the United States and compete for a gold medal.

The takeaway

Joe Burrow's standout performance in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic showcased his versatility as a quarterback and his desire to compete at the highest levels of the sport. His enthusiasm for the possibility of playing in the Olympics highlights the growing popularity and recognition of flag football, and the event provided a fun and competitive platform for NFL players to showcase their skills outside of the traditional gridiron.