Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase says he grew up watching this Cowboys player
Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has taken the NFL by storm this year. He, like Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, had a stellar rookie campaign. In his first season as a pro, the rookie had 13 touchdowns, averaged 18.0 yards per reception, and had 1,455 receiving yards. Chase was also a Pro Bowl selection.
Now, he will get to play in the Super Bowl after just one year in the league. To help his team win it all, he will likely have to outplay veteran Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
The 21-year-old took part in Super Bowl media interviews this week and was asked several questions about his season and his life. His answers showed just how young he is. The former No. 5 overall draft pick said that in high school he would watch Tyler Boyd and Stefon Diggs highlights. Boyd is 27 and Diggs is 28.
But the main person Chase looked up to happens to be a former Cowboy. Chase said the person he watched the most growing up was Cowboys legend Dez Bryant.
Bengals star WR Ja’Marr Chase: “The main person I was watching (growing up) was Dez Bryant.” pic.twitter.com/FGweSrRHMB
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 7, 2022
Ahead of Super Bowl, Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase said he grew up looking up to Cowboys WR Dez Bryant
You can’t blame the rookie for looking up to Bryant. The three-time Pro Bowler had seven incredible seasons with the Cowboys. In 119 games in the league, Bryant amassed 537 receptions, 7,506 yards, 75 touchdowns, and averaged 14.0 yards per reception. He had style and he was competitive.
Both wide receivers have a knack for the end zone. From 2011 to 2014 the Cowboy led the league with 50 touchdowns. Chase’s 13 touchdowns in his first year ranked him third in the entire NFL amongst some incredibly talented receivers.
The difference here? In eight years in the league, the former Cowboy never made it to a Super Bowl. Chase, on the other hand, is making his first trip in year one. The rookie has a chance to add Super Bowl champion to his resume at just 21 years old.
Bryant, a former athlete who is very active on Twitter, seemed to be flatter by the shout-out. He retweeted the quote from Chase with two fire emojis. Will this make Bryant root for the Bengals? I’m sure the former Cowboy will be tweeting his opinions plenty throughout the game.