Ja’Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals‘ star wide receiver, just secured the biggest payday of his career, a four-year, $161 million extension. That makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. But while the football world buzzed over his record-breaking deal, Chase is always going to be one of the humble ones. And took a moment to honor the man who helped him reach the biggest stage of his life.
Just a few hours ago, Ja’Marr took to his Instagram and posted a picture of him with his mom and dad. As he wrote a message to his father, Jimmy Chase, on his birthday, “Happy birthday ole man. Love ya.” This simple yet profound gesture from the WR highlights the deep bond between this father-son duo, reminding us that personal connections often outweigh professional achievements.
From his early football days, Jimmy Chase had his hand in shaping Ja’Marr’s career. He provided guidance, and support, and instilled a work ethic that propelled Ja’Marr to stardom. Their journey from youth leagues to LSU’s national championship in 2019 is a mark of their unbreakable bond. Now, as a key player for the Bengals, Ja’Marr’s success shows how important of a role a father can play in his child’s life.
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – AUGUST 20: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up before the NFL preseason game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on August 20, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The specifics of Ja’Marr Chase’s four-year, $161 million contract extension are note-worthy. With $112 million guaranteed, makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. His average annual salary of $40.25 million sets a new benchmark, with his 2025 earnings including an $8.07 million base salary, a $10 million roster bonus, a $22 million restructure bonus, and a $100,000 workout bonus. This deal locks the Bengals’ commitment to building around Joe Burrow and gives him a weapon for years to come.
However, analysts like Shannon Sharpe have raised concerns about the team’s financial flexibility, questioning whether investing so much in Chase and Tee Higgins could limit their ability to strengthen other areas, particularly on defense. Despite these concerns, the Bengals’ front office is confident. They believe that securing a talent like Chase is essential for their championship aspirations. Only time will tell how this investment pays off on the field.
Tee Higgins’ has a major investment planned right after the extension
While Ja’Marr Chase’s contract is much hyped, his fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins also secured his future with the Bengals by signing a four-year, $115 million extension. This move tells that Cincinnati retains one of the league’s most dynamic receiving duos. Interestingly, Higgins has chosen a different approach to his newfound wealth. During a press conference attended by both Ja’Marr and Higgins, the latter revealed his big plans behind this investment. “I’m putting a fish tank in my wall,” he confessed when asked the one thing he’s always wanted to buy—and now can.
Higgins: I’m putting a fish tank in my wall now.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) March 18, 2025
Remember from back in 2023, when Higgins brought a jellyfish tank and failed at, well, assembling it. Yep, you read that right. His journey of becoming a fish dad didn’t just end with buying a tank, it instead became a public debate. One day, the Bengals’ fans were trying to help the WR set up with a contractor and there were days when he actually questioned if it was worth a good home decor investment. This is what the Bengals’ WR’s X account looked like back then.
“I bought jellyfish and don’t know how to set the tank up” to “Aye who know how to put a jellyfish tank together??” because he couldn’t simply figure out how to assemble one. And then long story short after a few months, when the WR dropped another update revealing the progress he had made. “I’m going to have some professionals come set up my tank this time,” Higgins confessed at that time. “I ain’t doing that myself. I’ve got to call the big dogs in…I feel like jellyfish is a nice home decor.”
I bought jellyfish and don’t know how to set the tank up
— Tee Higgins⁵ (@teehiggins5) March 8, 2023
Fast forward to now, before finalizing his contract, Higgins faced uncertainty regarding his extension. There were speculations about potential trades, but both Higgins and the Bengals had a mutual desire to continue their partnership. The team’s willingness to offer a substantial contract highlights Higgins’ value on the field and in the locker room. His consistent performance and chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow have been pivotal to the Bengals’ offensive prowess.
So, now we have to wait and see how the 2025 season turns out to be for the Bengals and if they will be able to secure any major wins this time around. Perhaps, their future might witness a Super Bowl win coming their way soon!
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