JD Vance greets Bengals players
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, an Ohio native, made a surprise visit to Bengals practice after a rally.
Quarterback Joe Burrow said he didn't interact with Vance, who left before practice ended.
Background
JD Vance is the U.S. Vice President, an Ohio native and longtime Bengals fan who grew up in Middletown, Ohio. He was in the Cincinnati area for a rally ahead of next month's midterm elections, and stopped at the Bengals' practice facility as the 3-2 team prepared to face AFC North rival Baltimore on Sunday after its bye week.
How it unfolded
- Oct 19, 2026The Cincinnati Bengals practiced outside Paycor Stadium after their bye week.
- Oct 21, 2026Vance made a surprise visit to Bengals practice at Paycor Stadium after a rally in Sharonville, Ohio; he greeted head coach Zac Taylor and tight end Drew Sample, toured the locker room, and left before the end of practice.
- Oct 21, 2026Minutes after Vance left, quarterback Joe Burrow addressed the visit at his weekly press conference, saying he did not interact with Vance.
- Oct 21, 2026Vance spoke at an Ohio MAGA rally hours later.
Who’s saying what
- Public
- Some skeptical fans hoped Vance's appearance didn't further jinx Cincinnati, while others joked and kept worrying about an unwanted game-day curse.
- Player
- Burrow said he found out about the visit from owner Mike Brown on the sideline and received no advance briefing, adding that he loves that his job brings people together to watch the team's work.
Still unverified
Skeptical fans hoped Vance's appearance would not further jinx Cincinnati, and others joked about an unwanted game-day curse; no outcome or causal link is established.