Vance Camp Contradicts Social Media Narrative on Bengals Visit

A source with knowledge of the visit has pushed back against social media claims that U.S. Senator JD Vance was ignored by multiple Cincinnati Bengals players during a recent team practice. The narrative circulating online, which depicted Vance being snubbed, does not accurately reflect the events, according to the source.

A video that gained traction on social media showed Vance and his family outside the team's locker room as players returned. This footage appeared to show Bengals tight end Drew Sample shaking Vance's hand while other players walked by. However, additional footage obtained by OutKick presented a different account.

This other footage included a handshake with an apparently enthusiastic Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. The video also captured audio and appeared to show Vance interacting with players and other team staff. "Seeing how the media works is actually pretty crazy. The players, staff, and Vice President Vance and his son all had a great time at practice," the source told OutKick exclusively. "All of these negative tweets and articles are completely detached from the reality of how well the visit went."

Initial reactions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) described the interaction as Vance being "snubbed" and "ghosted" by the team, with one user stating the players gave him "the cold shoulder he deserves" and did not want to be used for "political theater."

However, the source stated that Vance and his son were warmly received during their visit, which had no planned media engagement. A photograph showed the vice president and his son playing catch on the field. The source also noted that defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence engaged in conversation with Vance during the visit. Vance, an Ohio native and longtime Bengals fan, was in town to deliver a speech at the FBI's Cincinnati Field Office and hold a campaign rally.

Quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters that he did not speak with Vance during the practice. "He came with everybody and left with swiftness and efficiency before the end of practice, so I didn't get to," Burrow stated. Vance toured the team's locker room, shook hands with several players and coach Zac Taylor, and received a football from the team. It remains unclear if Vance brought the ball for autographs or if it was given to him as a memento.