Joe Burrow went to the Kentucky Derby and the 2026 Met Gala before the Bengals’ offseason program even started, and fans had mixed reactions.

The NFL posted a photo of Burrow at the Met Gala on their official account, referring to him as “Metropolitan Joe.” 

He wore a navy suit with black lace embroidery and a deep V-neck, and a tassel necklace. Burrow made his second straight Met Gala appearance alongside Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. 

This year's dress code was "Fashion as Art" in conjunction with The Met's Costume Institute exhibit of almost 400 garment collections. 

The timing was the most questioned. While the Bengals’ offseason program was already in full swing, Burrow was in New York. Safety Bryan Cook, who signed with the Bengals in free agency this offseason, discussed the team’s mindset. 

"Getting these guys in the locker has shown that we are serious … it’s kind of on our shoulders, but I love pressure," Cook told FOX19 NOW. Cook’s comments drew the contrast.

The tension was mirrored in the fans’ social media feeds. The NFL’s post was filled with comments, with many wondering what Burrow’s offseason priorities are. 

Though some praised the look, others questioned the timing, given Cincinnati's three straight playoff misses.

Joe Burrow's Met Gala Look Divides Bengals Fans

The Bengals' post went up, the comments flooded in, and the responses ran both ways. 

"Joe Cool. Metropolitan Mode," said one fan.

Burrow’s appearance celebrated his growing fashion presence. Burrow has established himself as one of the NFL's trendiest players, and his second consecutive Met Gala appearance only enhanced that image. 

"Dollar Store Connick! Not buying the look!" said another commenter.

The criticism centered on the embroidered suit. The optics are a bit harder to defend, with the Bengals having missed the playoffs three seasons in a row. 

"It looks like he's running a sushi bar," read one reaction. 

The comment went viral with Bryan Cook speaking publicly about accountability and team standards while with the Bengals. 

"This guy should not be a football player lol," wrote one user. 

The frustration stems from the team suffering 12 one-score losses over the last two seasons.

"Drippin' as always, Joey B!" came one supportive voice. 

It was a reminder that not all fans linked Burrow's off-field persona to the team's outcomes; some enjoyed the moment for what it was.

Mixed reviews indicated a fan base that loves Burrow's star power but wants results from a team that hasn't been to the playoffs since 2023. 

What are your thoughts on Joe Burrow's Met Gala appearance? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Rudra Dubey