Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow isn’t just thinking about winning games, he’s thinking about fairness and the future of the sport. As the NFL unveiled its 2025 schedule, Burrow took the opportunity to voice two specific suggestions aimed at improving not only his team’s prospects but also the league’s global footprint.
Inside Joe Burrow’s two key changes he wants in the NFL calendar
Joe Burrow called out what he sees as a growing imbalance, the Bengals repeatedly drawing away prime-time games against AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. For three consecutive seasons, Cincinnati has had to travel to Baltimore for high-profile night matchups and they’ve lost each one. In 2025, they’re set to do it again, this time on Thanksgiving night. For Burrow, enough is enough.
Burrow made his frustration clear. “Playing in Baltimore for the fourth straight prime-time year isn't ideal,” Burrow told reporters Tuesday via Joe Danneman of Cincinnati's FOX19 Now. “Maybe we can get one of those in Cincinnati next year. Please.” His comment, half-plea and half-demand, reflects a desire to see high-stakes games brought home to Bengals fans in Cincinnati, giving them the energy and excitement that comes with prime-time exposure.
Beyond fairness at home, Burrow has his sights set on the international stage. While other franchises like the Jaguars and Chiefs have made regular trips abroad, the Bengals haven’t yet been tapped to play outside the U.S.
“To not have a stage like that is a little disappointing,” he continued. “Because I feel like I've consciously worked hard to try to grow the game internationally over the last 18 months or so. So hopefully at some point in my career we can go over there.”
Burrow finds this disappointing, especially as the league continues to emphasize global growth. He emphasized that not only would the experience benefit players culturally, but it could also broaden the team’s fan base and support NFL outreach worldwide.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Burrow has weighed in on league logistics. He’s previously supported adding a second bye week if the NFL moves to an 18-game season and has advocated for a midseason Pro Bowl to allow players more rest. His ideas reveal a player who sees the game beyond just the field, someone invested in fairness, fan engagement, and the global future of football.
Also read: “It really f**ks with you”: The hidden struggle behind Rob Gronkowski’s retirement through a different lens
As 2026 looms, the NFL would do well to listen. Burrow’s voice carries not just the weight of a franchise quarterback but the clarity of someone who wants the league to grow smarter and more balanced.
Inside Joe Burrow’s two key changes he wants in the NFL calendar
Joe Burrow called out what he sees as a growing imbalance, the Bengals repeatedly drawing away prime-time games against AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. For three consecutive seasons, Cincinnati has had to travel to Baltimore for high-profile night matchups and they’ve lost each one. In 2025, they’re set to do it again, this time on Thanksgiving night. For Burrow, enough is enough.
Burrow made his frustration clear. “Playing in Baltimore for the fourth straight prime-time year isn't ideal,” Burrow told reporters Tuesday via Joe Danneman of Cincinnati's FOX19 Now. “Maybe we can get one of those in Cincinnati next year. Please.” His comment, half-plea and half-demand, reflects a desire to see high-stakes games brought home to Bengals fans in Cincinnati, giving them the energy and excitement that comes with prime-time exposure.
Beyond fairness at home, Burrow has his sights set on the international stage. While other franchises like the Jaguars and Chiefs have made regular trips abroad, the Bengals haven’t yet been tapped to play outside the U.S.
“To not have a stage like that is a little disappointing,” he continued. “Because I feel like I've consciously worked hard to try to grow the game internationally over the last 18 months or so. So hopefully at some point in my career we can go over there.”
90 seconds with Joe Burrow (and an elite sigh):
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) May 20, 2025
* On wanting primetime home games against Baltimore
* On wanting to play an international game
* On wanting to play flag football in the 2028 Olympics pic.twitter.com/yRhi68ijVp
Burrow finds this disappointing, especially as the league continues to emphasize global growth. He emphasized that not only would the experience benefit players culturally, but it could also broaden the team’s fan base and support NFL outreach worldwide.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Burrow has weighed in on league logistics. He’s previously supported adding a second bye week if the NFL moves to an 18-game season and has advocated for a midseason Pro Bowl to allow players more rest. His ideas reveal a player who sees the game beyond just the field, someone invested in fairness, fan engagement, and the global future of football.
Also read: “It really f**ks with you”: The hidden struggle behind Rob Gronkowski’s retirement through a different lens
As 2026 looms, the NFL would do well to listen. Burrow’s voice carries not just the weight of a franchise quarterback but the clarity of someone who wants the league to grow smarter and more balanced.
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