Ja’Marr Chase better get used to life in Cincinnati — he’s going to be there for a while. The star wide receiver signed a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, surpassing Myles Garrett. While Chase loves playing for the Bengals, he’s not exactly Cincinnati’s biggest fan.
That said, the city provides exactly what he needs. With few distractions, Chase can put all his time and effort into perfecting his craft. While it might not be the best endorsement of Cincinnati itself, Bengals fans won’t care as long as he keeps producing at an elite level.
Ja’Marr Chase’s ‘Compliment’ of Cincinnati
Chase enjoys playing in Cincinnati—enough to commit to spending the next five seasons there. But at his press conference, he had a comedic take on what he loves about the city.
“For me, I like Cincinnati because it gives me the opportunity to come here and focus,” Chase said.
“You know, I’m not distracted out here. It’s not … too many things to get me off pace out here, you know, and it’s strictly what I’m focused on. And that’s really tunnel vision for me to play football.
“So, I mean, at the end of the day, the food’s not the best. We can work that out. I’m from New Orleans, I’m not used to the food yet. But, you know, overall, I mean, honestly, I just think that’s the biggest picture for me — is that, you know, I don’t have no distractions here. I can just play football.”
Ja’Marr is funny without even trying
Get this man some Louisiana style food
— Bengals Graphics (@BengalsGraphic5) March 18, 2025
For Bengals players, winning and competing for championships is the ultimate goal. That’s exactly what fans want to hear from Chase — well, maybe not the part about the food. But as long as the team is winning, they won’t care about his culinary preferences.
A focused Chase is one of the best, if not the best, receivers in the NFL. In just four seasons, he’s already earned Offensive Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-Pro honors, and four Pro Bowl selections.
Last season, Chase secured the Triple Crown, leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He’s locked in, and as long as he’s in Cincinnati — where distractions are minimal — he’ll stay that way. With longtime quarterback Joe Burrow by his side, the sky’s the limit for the Bengals’ offense.
Chase’s perspective on Cincinnati is hilarious, but if he keeps stacking up Triple Crown seasons, the city might have to reward him with some better food for his loyalty.