Chad Johnson’s recent proclamation that Ja’Marr Chase is the greatest Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver of all time has sent ripples through the NFL community and sparked a passionate debate among fans, analysts, and former players. Johnson, known for his colorful personality and brash confidence during his playing days, rarely gives out such praise without conviction. For Bengals fans, his statement carries weight because Johnson himself is widely considered one of the franchise’s most iconic players, holding multiple team receiving records and having been the face of the Bengals’ offense for years. By declaring Chase as the best, Johnson is not just making a casual comment—he’s effectively passing the torch to a player he believes is redefining the wide receiver position in Cincinnati. This is not only an endorsement but also a statement about the state of the franchise, the evolution of the passing game, and the remarkable impact Ja’Marr Chase has had since entering the league.
Chase’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Drafted fifth overall in 2021 out of LSU, he entered the NFL with sky-high expectations after an electrifying college career in which he set records and won a national championship alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. Many expected him to be good, but few predicted that his rookie season would be so historic. In that debut year, Chase broke the Bengals’ single-season receiving yards record with 1,455 yards, shattering marks set by veterans who had played in far more games. He also set the NFL rookie record for most receiving yards in a single game with 266 against the Kansas City Chiefs, a performance that was not only jaw-dropping but also a preview of the kind of player he would become—explosive, clutch, and capable of completely taking over games. His ability to create separation, high-point contested catches, and turn short passes into long gains immediately placed him among the league’s elite.
Chad Johnson’s praise comes from a place of understanding the pressure, expectations, and physical demands that come with being a No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL. During his own time in Cincinnati, Johnson led the league in receiving yards, made six Pro Bowls, and was named All-Pro multiple times. He was the centerpiece of the Bengals’ offense for nearly a decade, drawing double teams and still producing at an elite level. Yet, in his mind, Chase has already surpassed what he did—something that may shock some but makes sense when looking at the numbers and the context. Johnson played in an era where passing offenses were not as wide-open as they are today, yet he still dominated. Chase, on the other hand, is thriving in an era that has seen passing attacks become more complex and defenses more sophisticated. The fact that he is excelling to such an extent, often against the league’s best cornerbacks, is proof to Johnson that Chase’s ceiling is beyond anything the Bengals have ever seen.
Part of what makes Chase so special is his connection with Joe Burrow. The chemistry between quarterback and receiver is often talked about in football, but what Burrow and Chase have is rare. Their time together at LSU built a foundation of trust and timing that has carried seamlessly into the NFL. Burrow knows exactly where Chase will be, and Chase knows how to adjust his routes to match Burrow’s ball placement. This allows for plays that seem impossible to work, such as back-shoulder throws in tight coverage or deep shots where Chase tracks the ball over his shoulder like a seasoned veteran. It’s that kind of connection that makes defenses fearful and forces them to adjust their game plans specifically to contain him, often to no avail.
Johnson’s declaration also points to the fact that Chase has shown an ability to perform in the biggest moments. In the 2021 postseason, he was instrumental in the Bengals’ run to the Super Bowl, catching 25 passes for 368 yards and a touchdown in four games. He consistently made plays in critical situations, whether it was converting third downs, making sideline grabs to extend drives, or hauling in deep passes that flipped field position. In big games against top-tier competition, Chase has shown that he can rise to the occasion—something that defines true greatness in the NFL.
The debate about the greatest Bengals receiver ever naturally brings other names into the conversation—A.J. Green, Cris Collinsworth, Isaac Curtis, and of course Chad Johnson himself. Each brought something unique to the table and left an indelible mark on the franchise. Curtis was a trailblazer in the 1970s and early ‘80s, stretching the field in ways few receivers of his era could. Collinsworth was a reliable, big-bodied target during the 1980s and played in two Super Bowls with the team. A.J. Green was the model of consistency for nearly a decade, making seven Pro Bowls and amassing over 9,000 career yards. Chad Johnson, meanwhile, brought unmatched swagger and production, becoming the face of the Bengals during the 2000s. What makes Chase different—and what Johnson is acknowledging—is that Chase is combining elite production with an electrifying style that changes games instantly. His speed, strength, and ability to adjust in mid-air make him almost impossible to defend when he’s at his best.
Another factor is Chase’s age and trajectory. At just 25 years old, he has already accomplished more than many receivers do in their entire careers. His numbers in his first three seasons place him in the same conversation as some of the all-time greats at this stage of their careers, including Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, and Larry Fitzgerald. If he maintains his current pace and avoids significant injuries, Chase could not only break Bengals records but also threaten NFL records for career yardage and touchdowns. Johnson sees that potential and knows what it takes to be the best; his endorsement is essentially saying that Chase is on a Hall of Fame path.
From a technical standpoint, Chase’s game is as complete as it gets. His route running is crisp and deceptive, making him dangerous at every level of the field. He can win on quick slants, intermediate digs, and deep go routes with equal efficiency. His release off the line of scrimmage is quick, allowing him to beat press coverage, and his footwork is refined enough to make cornerbacks bite on double moves. Combine that with his physicality—he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder to gain extra yards—and you have a receiver who forces defenses to account for him on every snap. Johnson himself was a master route runner and prided himself on making defenders look foolish, so it’s telling that he sees Chase’s skill set as even more advanced.
Of course, greatness isn’t just about physical tools—it’s also about mindset. Chase has shown a quiet confidence since entering the league. While Johnson’s personality was larger than life, filled with touchdown celebrations and trash talk, Chase’s demeanor is more reserved but no less competitive. He lets his play speak for itself, but when challenged, he responds with performances that silence critics. This mental toughness, paired with his physical gifts, is what makes him such a dangerous weapon. Johnson recognizes that intangible quality, and it’s part of why he believes Chase is already the best.
The impact of Johnson’s statement goes beyond just football analysis—it’s a symbolic passing of the torch. For years, Johnson represented the gold standard for Bengals receivers. Now, he’s openly acknowledging that a new standard has been set, and it’s in the hands of Ja’Marr Chase. This type of endorsement from a franchise legend carries weight not only with fans but also within the organization. It sends a message that the Bengals are in a golden era for offensive talent, led by a receiver who could go down as one of the all-time greats in NFL history.
While debates about “the greatest ever” are often subjective and generational, there’s no denying that Chase’s start to his career has been historic. If he continues on this path, Johnson’s statement might soon be less of a debate and more of an accepted fact. For now, it’s a conversation that brings excitement to Bengals fans, pride to the franchise, and a clear acknowledgment that they are witnessing something special. Johnson’s words are both a challenge and a compliment, urging Chase to keep pushing his limits while recognizing that he’s already done enough to impress one of the best to ever wear Bengals stripes.
If Johnson’s prediction holds true, the Bengals’ record books will one day be filled with Ja’Marr Chase’s name. He could very well be the player that future Cincinnati receivers are measured against, much like Johnson once was. For now, fans get to enjoy the rare experience of watching a superstar in his prime, knowing that even franchise legends are willing to say, “This guy is the best we’ve ever had.” And coming from Chad Johnson, that’s not just a compliment—it’s a crowning moment in Chase’s already legendary rise.
