Joe Burrow is known for making big plays on the field, but his latest victory came off it—and it took a full year to materialize. When the NFL announced that the Cincinnati Bengals will face the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain this season, no one was more thrilled than their star quarterback.

Burrow, who entered the league in 2020, had never suited up for an international game. Last year, he thought his chance had finally arrived when rumors swirled about the Bengals playing in Spain. He even took to Instagram, telling his 4.2 million followers "Please be true" about the potential matchup against the Miami Dolphins. But when the schedule dropped, the Dolphins ended up facing the Washington Commanders in Madrid instead, leaving Burrow and the Bengals on the sidelines.

Rather than staying quiet, Burrow did something unusual for an NFL player: he publicly requested an international game. During an interview after the 2025 schedule release, he told reporters, "Maybe an international game next year." It was a bold ask, especially since most players shy away from the extra travel and logistical challenges these games bring.

Burrow's passion for growing the game globally runs deep. He revealed that one reason he agreed to star in Netflix's "Quarterback" series was to introduce American football to new audiences worldwide. "I wanted to help grow the game internationally, and so to not have a stage like that is a little disappointing," he said at the time. "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."

Now, that wish has finally come true. The Bengals are one of just five teams—along with the Cowboys, Lions, Texans, and Raiders—that had never played an international game. Burrow's persistence paid off, proving that sometimes, the most effective plays happen off the field. For Bengals fans and football enthusiasts worldwide, this Madrid matchup is shaping up to be a must-watch event.