The most likely reasons Ja’Marr Chase chose to sign a long-term extension with the Bengals are, in some order, the money and quarterback Joe Burrow.
Chase is now the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history, and he’s catching passes from his college teammate and one of the best at his position in the league.
But don’t discount something else Chase shared at his press conference on Tuesday.
“I like Cincinnati because it gives me the opportunity to focus,” Chase said. “I’m not distracted out here. There’s not too many things to get me off pace. It’s really tunnel vision to focus on football.”
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Chase did have one complaint.
“The food’s not the best,” he said. “We can work on that.”
That drew a laugh from fellow signee Tee Higgins, who was seated on Chase’s right during the press conference, and chimed in, “That chili, man.”
Chase explained: “I’m from New Orleans. I’m not used to the food yet.”
He’ll have plenty of time to get used to the food.
Chase remembered at the end of his answer to shout out a few of the key cogs in the Bengals roster, too: “Oh, and my quarterback is here. And Tee is here.”
They’ll all be there for a long time, it seems, with Cincinnati fans hoping Chase grows to love the food but most importantly keeps that football focus.
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