Joe Burrow Bought Authentic Japanese Swords as Christmas Gifts for His Linemen

Joe Burrow (9) of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Dec. 22, 2024. Jason Mowry/Getty Images

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has divulged some details about the unique Christmas gift he bought his offensive linemen.

Last week, reports surfaced that Burrow bought his offensive linemen authentic katana from Japan. During his postgame press conference after the Bengals’ 24–6 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Burrow said he was not willing to buy his blockers the guns they requested, but he wanted to give a meaningful gift that fits the weapon motif.

“Well they wanted guns, and I was like, ‘I don’t know about guns, guys,’” said Burrow. “And so I was in the weapon mindset and I was like, ‘What’s a cool weapon?’ And samurai swords, I think are pretty dang cool.”

Burrow credited a woman who works for him with acquiring the swords.

“She did a great job finding the best ones out there,” said Burrow. “So I think guys were excited about it.”

Last week, reports surfaced that Burrow bought his linemen authentic katana that dated back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The blades all came with letters verifying their authenticity and history, with some used in real historical battles.

The swords came from Collectors Armoury California, ESPN reported. Store owner Joseph Bell had about 100 katana in stock, but based on Burrow’s criteria, he called in some favors and purchased several more for the order. He did not disclose the exact cost of Burrow’s purchase. One sword available on the store’s website, dated 1661, retails for $3,950.

Today, katana are appreciated not only as weapons, but as works of art. Traditional blades are forged by hand in an intricate process that uses special materials.

Burrow has been an outspoken opponent of firearms. In response to several heavily publicized mass shootings, Burrow said during a press conference in June 2022 that legislators should outlaw some firearms used in mass shootings and push for stronger background checks.

“With everything that’s going on, if you’re not going to outlaw everything, you’ve gotta at least make it harder to get those crazy guns that everybody is using,” Burrow said. “I don’t think you should be able to just walk in there and buy one. You’ve gotta be able to go through a rigorous process to buy something like that, I think. Hopefully, the people who get paid to make those decisions figure that out. My job is to play football, but hopefully the politicians can figure that out.”