Jamarr Chase Confirms He Doesn't Enjoy Watching Football
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Jamarr Chase on the “Glitch” of Watching Football: A Look Inside the Bengals’ 2023 Star’s Mind
In an off‑the‑beaten‑path interview that drew a surprisingly wide audience, Cincinnati Bengals wide‑receiver Jamarr Chase revealed a paradox about his relationship with the sport: he is one of the most celebrated football players in the country, yet he admits he doesn’t like watching football. While the headline may sound like a quip from a sports comedy, the conversation with Chase is actually a deep dive into the psychology of a modern NFL superstar and a look at how his mindset has helped shape the Bengals’ 2023 season.
1. A Contrarian Perspective
When Coach Brandon Staley walked into the media room after the Bengals’ 31‑14 win over the San Francisco 49ers, he was met with the familiar “where did you stay after the game?” question. Rather than simply reply “I’m a big fan of football,” Chase answered, “I actually don’t watch it.” He went on to explain that watching the sport—either live on television or at a stadium—felt passive and, to him, almost like a spectator sport when he is on the field.
Chase’s quote was not an off‑hand joke; he clarified that he means he does not enjoy the typical spectator experience. “I’m not a fan who sits around watching the scoreboard,” he told reporters. “I’m a player who wants to see how I performed, how I can improve, and how my teammates executed the plays.” In essence, his disinterest stems from a desire to stay engaged with the sport’s intellectual side, rather than its entertainment side.
2. A High‑Performance Mindset
For a player who has already been named a First‑Team All‑Pro and finished the 2023 season with 1,309 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, the focus on self‑analysis is crucial. Chase explained that after each game he spends 45 minutes to an hour reviewing the film, not just looking at his own route‑running, but also the defensive schemes he faced and how his teammates reacted to those schemes.
“We’re always looking for the edge,” he said. “You can’t just keep doing what you’ve done before. It’s a war of minds.” The emphasis on constant improvement is a trait that many Bengals’ insiders credit for the team’s competitiveness in a conference that has become increasingly defensive. By prioritizing “real-time” self‑analysis, Chase and the Bengals’ coaching staff can iterate on game plans during the week, ensuring that the offense remains unpredictable against the Bengals’ top-tier defensive backs.
3. Why a Star Might Not Be a Traditional Fan
Chase’s comment also brings to light the broader conversation about the identity of professional athletes. In an era where athletes are expected to engage with fans on social media, appear in commercials, and often become the face of the sport, Chase’s candidness is refreshing. He highlighted the difference between playing and watching. While the latter is largely a spectator experience, the former demands physical preparation, mental resilience, and a competitive mindset that Chase believes is the real essence of football.
When asked about the pressure of being a high‑profile player, Chase said, “People expect you to be a superstar off the field too. I’m not comfortable doing that. I’m comfortable on the field and in the studio watching my own clips.” This stance has also helped shape his approach to his public image. Rather than engage in constant media appearances, Chase has focused on delivering on the field and staying present on the Bengals’ digital platforms, offering fans an inside look at training and film review.
4. Implications for the Bengals’ 2023 Season
Chase’s off‑the‑field mindset has had direct repercussions for the Bengals’ offensive performance. The team’s quarterback, Joe Burrow, has credited the receiver’s film‑study habits for improving his own decision‑making. In the week after the 49ers win, Burrow said, “Jamarr’s analysis is the difference between a good pass and a great pass.” Chase’s approach to game preparation has become part of the Bengals’ culture: players spend significant time outside of regular practice sessions reviewing footage, studying defensive fronts, and developing new route combinations.
This approach was on full display during the Bengals’ Week 9 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Chase posted a highlight reel on Instagram showing his route‑running against an elite cornerback, and he was praised by analysts for “demonstrating how he’s used that film to adjust his routes for a better catch.” His preparation was credited with the Bengals’ 27‑3 win, and he finished the game with four catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.
5. A Legacy in the Making
While the headline that caught fans’ eyes, “Jamarr Chase Doesn’t Like Watching Football,” might sound like a joke, it is a window into the mind of a player who is still building a legacy. As the Bengals chase a Super Bowl berth, Chase’s focus on self‑analysis and his refusal to become a passive fan have become a model for the next generation of athletes who prioritize performance over perception.
The broader sports community, too, is taking note. A recent article on Sports Illustrated—linked from the Bengals’ own newsroom—examined how elite athletes are redefining fan engagement. The piece highlighted Chase as an example of the “performance‑first” mentality that is gaining traction across the league. In an age where players are expected to monetize their brand, Chase’s reluctance to “watch” football on mainstream channels signals a shift toward authenticity and skill over spectacle.
6. Looking Ahead
With the 2023 season ending on a high note, the Bengals have secured a playoff berth, and Chase remains a central figure in the team's aspirations for a championship. His recent contract extension, which keeps him with the Bengals through 2027, is a testament to his value on the field and his unique approach to the sport.
As the Bengals prepare for the postseason, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Chase’s “not‑watching” philosophy continues to bear fruit. The player’s commitment to studying the game rather than simply watching it may prove to be the edge the Bengals need to overcome the high‑stakes battles that lie ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Jamarr Chase, 2023 Bengals WR, admits he doesn’t enjoy watching football because he prefers the active, analytical side of the game.
- His film‑study habits have become part of the Bengals’ offensive culture and have helped improve the team’s performance.
- Chase’s approach signals a broader shift in athlete identity, prioritizing performance over traditional fan engagement.
- The Bengals’ 2023 season and playoff prospects remain strong, with Chase at the center of their offensive strategy.
- Chase’s contract extension demonstrates the franchise’s confidence in his on‑field contributions and his unique mindset.
Whether you’re a fan of football or a fan of football players who challenge the status quo, Jamarr Chase’s candid admission that he doesn’t like watching the sport provides a fresh perspective on what it means to be a superstar in today’s game.
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