The Cincinnati Bengals had a tumultuous season last year, starting from Training Camp through Week 18. The team faced adversity at every turn, starting with Joe Burrow straining his calf during an innocent rollout in Training Camp. This setback kept him out of camp, but he managed to return just in time for the regular season. However, it wasn’t until Week 4 that he started to resemble his former self on the field.
After the Bengals suffered their second loss, team owner Mike Brown made a surprising move by taking Burrow on a golf cart ride around the facility. This conversation remained private for some time, but it has recently come to light. Brown had some serious words for Burrow during that ride, expressing his desire to bench the young quarterback.
During the annual luncheon with local reporters where Brown indulges in his favorite mock turtle soup, he shared details of his conversation with Burrow. This revelation came as a shock to many, especially given the timing of the conversation right before a crucial game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Burrow responded to Brown’s suggestion by leading the Bengals to a victory on Monday Night Football, despite not being at full strength. However, the team was handed a harsh 27-3 defeat by the Tennessee Titans, leaving morale low within the organization.
Nearly a year later, Burrow has been cleared for contact after recovering from a wrist injury that ended his previous season. The details of Burrow’s response to Brown’s benching proposal, as well as head coach Zac Taylor’s thoughts on the matter, have yet to be revealed.
Brown has since expressed regret for overstepping his boundaries and trying to interfere with the team. While it may not have been entirely surprising given the history of the Bengals and the Brown family, Brown’s actions did not reach the level of meddling seen from other team owners like Jerry Jones.
