Joe Burrow hosts Kid Cudi at Bengals workout, then invites his childhood hero over for dinner
The southeast Ohio kid who grew up on 'Day 'n' Nite' now texts with Cudi regularly. Monday's facility visit closed with an impromptu dinner invitation.
Kid Cudi performed at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati on Saturday night. Two days later he was standing on the sideline at the Bengals' practice facility watching Joe Burrow throw routes. The two have been friends for years. Monday closed with a casual dinner at Burrow's house.
How did this friendship start?
Burrow grew up in southeast Ohio in the late 2000s. Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi) is from the Cleveland area and rose to prominence with 'Day 'n' Nite' in 2009. The two formally connected late in the 2021 season. Before Cincinnati played Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game (the franchise's most important game in 33 years) Cudi sent Burrow a personalized song. Burrow has cited the gesture as the foundation of an ongoing friendship.
What happened Monday?
Cudi walked the sidelines of OTAs, watched Burrow throw, and stayed for the post-practice media availability. Bengals social media captured a clip of Burrow asking, 'You guys want to come to the house and get dinner or something tonight?' Cudi accepted. Burrow told reporters afterward, 'It's always fun to see him. He meant a lot to me when I was a kid.'
Did Cudi drop any actual news?
Sort of. Cudi was overheard mentioning a 2027 residency-style show. He has not formally announced any major touring plans for the year. The reference passed quickly and team officials did not pursue the topic. Cudi's last major tour was 2023's INSANO World Tour.
What does it tell us about the Bengals' offseason mood?
Burrow returns from a Week 2 toe injury that wiped out his 2025 season. Cincinnati finished 6-11 with Jake Browning starting most of the year. The Bengals' offseason has centered on Burrow's full clearance for OTAs (confirmed in late April), Ja'Marr Chase's $161 million extension already being on the books, and Tee Higgins' four-year, $115 million deal. The Burrow-Chase-Higgins offense is fully assembled for 2026.
Is Cudi a Bengals fan?
He's a Cleveland kid, which means he's culturally a Browns fan first. He has spoken publicly about his Browns fandom several times across the past decade. The Burrow friendship is what brings him to Cincinnati. The two share an Ohio connection and a deep love of music; Burrow's pre-game playlists have included Cudi tracks for most of his NFL career.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Joe Burrow links up with childhood hero Kid Cudi at Bengals workout
- Sports Illustrated: Bengals welcome one of Burrow's favorite artists to offseason workout
- Bengals: Joe Burrow sees something special in his Bengals
- Yahoo Sports: Kid Cudi visits Bengals workout, snags dinner invite from Joe Burrow
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