CINCINNATI, Ohio — Sunday will be the fifth time Ja’Marr Chase comes to Huntington Bank Field when the Bengals face the Browns.
When discussing the experience of playing in Cleveland with reporters in a Thursday press conference, Chase made an unexpected admission:
“I always wanted to jump into the Dawg Pound. I never did that, but I always wanted to, so. I mean, Cleveland(’s) not bad,” he told reporters.
The Dawg Pound, Cleveland’s notorious bleacher section populated by the Browns’ most passionate fans, has long been considered enemy territory for opposing players. When pressed on whether this celebration might actually be in the cards for the upcoming game, Chase quickly backed away from the idea with a tongue-in-cheek explanation:
“No, I wouldn’t do it. I heard they stab people in there. Messing with y’all, man.”
This lighthearted exchange highlights Chase’s natural charisma and willingness to engage with the rivalry in ways that go beyond the typical clichés of professional sports. It also offers fans a glimpse into his personality away from the scripted press conferences and carefully managed social media posts.
Chase further embraced his role as an instigator in the AFC North rivalry, referencing a previous incident where he referred to the Browns as “elves.” Rather than expressing regret over such comments, Chase doubled down on his approach:
“I’m a troll, bro. I do stuff to troll. And I love it though, cuz they think I’m serious the whole time, so. But it’s just funny, man. Just small stuff like that. You gotta have fun with it, man.”
This self-awareness about his “troll” persona reveals a sophisticated understanding of the entertainment aspect of professional football. Chase recognizes that the passion and intensity of divisional rivalries are enhanced by these moments of playful antagonism.
“You can’t take everything we do so serious. Maybe somebody gotta have some fun with stuff like this, you know?” he added.
For Bengals fans, Chase’s comments reinforce what makes him such a beloved figure – beyond his elite on-field production, his authentic personality and willingness to engage with rivals creates a deeper connection with the fanbase. For Browns fans, his “troll” admission might actually make his comments less irritating, knowing they come from a place of playful rivalry rather than genuine animosity.
As the Bengals prepare to face the Browns in Week 1, Chase’s comments add another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup. While he may never actually take the plunge into the Dawg Pound (for both professional and personal safety reasons), the image of Cincinnati’s star receiver contemplating such a bold celebration speaks volumes about his confidence and flair for the dramatic.
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