Joe Burrow has been grabbing attention in the 2026 NFL season, mostly because of his incredible play under center for the Cincinnati Bengals.
But he also turned some heads after a recent interaction with a female referee just before last Sunday’s Cincy home game at Paycor Center in Cincinnati against the visiting Tennessee Titans.
While warming up on the field, a female referee approached Burrow.
“Good to see you, Joe,” the ref said.
Burrow then responded with a “Yes, sir,” before immediately correcting himself.
You can check out that moment in this clip below:
🚨TRENDING: #Bengals QB Joe Burrow has gone viral for his interaction with a female #NFL referee while being mic’d up.
Burrow initially greeted her with “Yes, sir,” then corrected himself to “Yes, ma’am.”
She smiled and responded, “Yeah, that’s it.”
😳 pic.twitter.com/nYvVhA20nz
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 4, 2026
Burrow’s Moment With Female Ref Before Bengals-Titans Week 8 Game Draws Heartwarming Reactions
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow
Oct 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
That video gained some traction online, with fans sharing all sorts of reactions, mostly ones that are as wholesome as Burrow’s classy gesture.
“There’s nothing wrong with yes sir but that was nice of him to make her smile.❤️,” said a fan on X.
Another one said: “He’s adorable”
From a commenter: “He’s such a respectable guy”
“As a Steelers fan no less, respect. He Bungeled as they often do, and unlike how they usually do, he at least managed to correct himself. 😅😅,” a social media user posted.
Via a different commenter: “There’s nothing wrong with yes sir but that was nice of him to make her smile.❤️.”
Said another: “Slip of the tongue, we’re all human and everyone makes dumb mistakes once in a while.”
As for the game, Burrow was downright mean to Tennessee’s defense.
The former LSU Tigers star quarterback unleashed 462 passing yards on 38/48 pass completions to go with five touchdowns and three interceptions to lead Cincinnati to a 43-36 overtime victory over Cam Ward and the Titans.
Through seven games in 2026, Burrow, who missed
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A helmet of the Cincinnati Bengals on the field before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A helmet of the Cincinnati Bengals on the field before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images