Ja’Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals’ breakout wide receiver, is aiming for an unprecedented milestone in the NFL. After leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2024 to claim the franchise’s first receiving triple crown, Chase has set his sights on becoming the league’s first 2,000-yard receiver within the next three years, according to his recent comments with CBS Sports.
Wideouts Poised to Surpass Rushing Records Following Barkley’s Breakthrough
Chase believes the achievement of a 2,000-yard receiving season is imminent as more wide receivers approach the league’s elite production levels. He draws a parallel to Saquon Barkley, who recently surpassed 2,000 rushing yards in a season with the Philadelphia Eagles, anticipating that wide receivers will soon break the long-standing 1,964-yard receiving record held by Calvin Johnson.
The next three years, somebody has to do it,
he said,
if it’s not me.
Top Candidates for Breaking the NFL Receiving Yardage Record
When asked who has the best chance to eclipse Johnson’s mark, Chase confidently mentioned himself along with fellow LSU alum and Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson. Both receivers are currently featured in General Mills’ Cereal Training Camp campaign, following in the footsteps of Jason and Travis Kelce from last season.
In addition to Chase and Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown will also appear on select collector’s edition Reese’s Puffs boxes starting in early September. Meanwhile, Chase will be the face of Lucky Charms cereal boxes in August, a nod to his colorful end-zone celebrations dubbed the “Lucky Strut” and his reputation as one of the game’s best playmakers.
What Defines the Ideal NFL Receiver: Chase’s All-Time Team
Chase shared his vision of the ultimate NFL receiver by combining the standout attributes of past greats. He highlighted Tyreek Hill’s speed, Calvin Johnson’s strength, Jerry Rice’s precise route running, and Antonio Brown’s exceptional hands as the key elements for a perfect receiver.
I would use Tyreek Hill’s speed,
Chase said.
I’d use Megatron’s strength. I’d use Jerry Rice’s routes. I’d use Antonio Brown’s hands.
Restricting his choices to LSU alumni, Chase selected Josh Reed’s speed, Jarvis Landry’s route-running skills, Odell Beckham Jr.’s hands, and added that he would contribute his own strength to form a formidable lineup.
Josh Reed’s speed,
he added.
Jarvis Landry’s routes. Odell Beckham Jr.’s hands. And I’ll use my strength.
Outlook for the Bengals: Defense and Competition in the AFC North
Looking ahead, Chase emphasized the importance of the Bengals offense maintaining their high level of play to contend in the AFC North. He also called on the defense to improve by making key stops, acknowledging the increasing difficulty posed by division rivals.
One particular challenger is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have upgraded their secondary with the acquisition of cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Despite this, Chase remains confident in Cincinnati’s ability to compete.
gonna have to do what we did last year
he said about the offense. Regarding the defense, Chase added,
the defense is gonna have to step up … and make some stops; that’s all we ask them to do.
now that they have true No. 1 corners
he said of the Steelers’ improvements with Ramsey, but this does not shake his confidence.
Celebration Culture and Chase’s Playful Attitude
Chase’s personality extends beyond the field, as evidenced by his signature celebrations. While he will soon appear on Lucky Charms cereal boxes, he jokingly declined the idea of pouring an actual bowl of the cereal during a celebration—unless someone pays the resulting fine.
Yeah, if I don’t get fined,
he laughed when asked about a potential Lucky Charms celebration.
If you pay the fine, yes.
As Ja’Marr Chase continues to build on his impressive career, his ambitions and confidence suggest he could be the one to finally reach the elusive 2,000-yard receiving milestone that has long stood just out of reach in the NFL.