Bengals players mostly bypass JD Vance during practice visit
Vice President JD Vance visited Cincinnati’s practice on Wednesday, but most players walked past him without stopping. Tight end Drew Sample was the only player who clearly shook his hand, and Joe Burrow later said he did not get a chance to interact because Vance left before practice ended.
Vice President JD Vance attended a Cincinnati Bengals practice on Wednesday. Video from the session showed most players continuing past him as they left the field. Tight end Drew Sample was the only player who plainly stopped for a handshake; the account suggests he first reached toward Vance’s son before greeting the vice president.
Practice-squad quarterback Josh Johnson offered a small nod, according to the report. Joe Burrow told reporters afterward that he never spoke with Vance, saying the vice president departed before the workout finished. Burrow also noted that visitors are welcome at practice, though the article questioned why a politician would attend a practice rather than a game.
The episode could shape how athletes and teams handle visits from political figures, since public gestures—or their absence—may be read as political signals. Fans and commentators may debate whether such appearances at practices are appropriate, potentially affecting media coverage and public perceptions of the players and the vice president. It may also prompt teams to consider clearer protocols for VIP guests.