The recent narrative circulating on social media about Vice President JD Vance being snubbed by several Cincinnati Bengals players during a team practice seems to be somewhat misleading, as reported by a source familiar with the visit.
A video that surfaced online featured Vance and his family near the team’s locker room on Thursday, showing him greeting players as they returned. In that clip, tight end Drew Sample did stop to shake Vance’s hand, but the audio was unclear with respect to the overall context of the interaction.
However, another video obtained by a different outlet painted a somewhat different picture—one that included a handshake with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and some apparent camaraderie with various players and staff.
According to the source, “It’s quite something to observe how the media operates. Players, staff, and Vice President Vance, along with his son, really enjoyed their time at practice. All the negative comments and articles are just not reflective of the actual experience.”
Initially, reactions to the video expressed sentiments of Vance being “snubbed” by the team. One social media user characterized the moment as “TOTAL HUMILIATION,” claiming every player except one overlooked Vance in the locker room.
Another commentator suggested that Vance was seeking a publicity opportunity and received the cold treatment as a result, indicating that the players were not keen on being part of any “political theater.”
Nonetheless, the source insisted that Vance and his son were actually welcomed warmly during their unannounced visit. Photographic evidence showed them playing catch on the field, and notably, defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence reportedly engaged in conversation with Vance during the visit.
Vance, who hails from Ohio and is a longtime Bengals supporter, has a residence in Cincinnati’s East Walnut Hills area. He toured the locker room, interacted with several players, Coach Taylor, and left with a football—though it’s unclear if he brought the ball for autographs or if it was simply a souvenir given to him by the team.
Interestingly, quarterback Joe Burrow noted that he personally did not speak with Vance. “He came with everybody and left quickly before practice concluded, so I didn’t get a chance to,” Burrow stated.
Vance was in the area for a speech at the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office, as well as to participate in a campaign rally at the Sharonville Convention Center.
