Subtlety is not Ja’Marr Chase’s style. And why would it be? The Bengals star is one of the best wide receivers in the game, a whirling dervish at the X with hands like fly paper and a frame that seems to split in two in man coverage.
Chase is among the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history at his age. And he wants everyone — defenders, fans, even his own quarterback — to know that. When he is out on the field, he gets open. And when he gets open, he wants the ball.
Amid Joe Burrow’s injury struggles — and a temporary decline in targets — Chase has remained adamant that he can make things happen with the ball in his hands. On Sunday, he took things to a whole new level, rocking a chain that should earn him an accompanying endorsement deal.
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Chase took the field wearing a sparkly chain with the 7-11 logo on it, indicating that he is, as most 7-11s are, always open.
Check out the glimmering gemstones here:
New jewelry for Ja’Marr pic.twitter.com/RBE8TOgmMJ
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) October 15, 2023
Chase’s new regalia stems from comments he made earlier in the season. Caught in a fog of reporters after Cincinnati’s Week 4 loss to the Titans — a game where the Bengals could only muster three points — Chase let onlookers know just what he thought about Cincy’s offense and, more importantly, its inability to get him the football.
“I’m open — I’m always f—in’ open,” Chase said following the Bengals’ loss to the Titans. … “I can’t do nothing but I’m already doing. If I’m open, I’m open. What can I do? If I’m open, I’m open. Know what I’m saying?”
He posted this on social media shortly thereafter, further embracing the bit:
7/11 pic.twitter.com/6vdwKQkVfs
— Ja’MarrChase (@Real10jayy__) October 8, 2023
And the Bengals have embraced it too, as they expressed on social media in Week 6.
Do we even have to say it?
HE’S ALWAYS OPEN
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 15, 2023
It seems head coach Zac Taylor has made an effort to get Chase involved in things in the weeks following his sudden outburst. Chase exploded for 15 catches, 192 yards and three touchdowns against the Cardinals in Week 5. He has been similarly effective in Week 6, looking well on his way to another 100-yard day (he logged five catches for 67 yards in the first half).
For the past two weeks, Chase has been open plenty. It seems Burrow, Taylor and others agree. Now, to see if he can pocket a vaunted 7-11 deal, too.