Joe Burrow was picked as one of the Cincinnati Bengals’ captains even before he took a snap.

It is unusual for a rookie to be picked as a captain, an honorary role that usually goes to veterans who have been around the team a long time. The players’ vote shows how the quarterback who has yet to take a snap in an NFL game already is considered a leader.

“It was one of my goals coming in,” said Burrow, the Heisman Trophy winner who was a captain last season on LSU’s national championship team. “I really didn’t expect to be a captain, but I couldn’t be happier to represent our team and our offense. We have a lot of guys that could have been up there, but I’m really happy my team decided I should be the one to get that honor.”

Veterans had no hesitation voting for Burrow, who could represent the Bengals at midfield for the pregame coin toss before the season opener Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I love the guy, love him,” fifth-year cornerback Mackensie Alexander said. “I love watching him play, watching him compete against us and stuff. He’s done really well.”

The rest of the captains are receiver A.J. Green, running back Giovani Bernard, linebacker Josh Bynes, safeties Vonn Bell and Shawn Williams and punter Kevin Huber.

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