JA’MARR CHASE POURS FUEL ON THE BENGALS-CHIEFS RIVALRY: “MAHOMES? HE’S HUMAN.”

If you thought the Bengals-Chiefs rivalry was cooling down, think again.

Cincinnati Bengals superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase sent shockwaves through the NFL this week with a pointed jab at Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes—comments that instantly reignited one of the league’s most compelling storylines.

Speaking to reporters during a summer media availability, Chase was asked about Mahomes’ place among the game’s elite signal-callers. Without missing a beat, Chase flashed his trademark swagger.

“Mahomes? He’s great,” Chase began, pausing just long enough to let the compliment hang in the air. Then he leaned in with the kicker: “But let’s not act like he’s unstoppable. He’s human, man.”

That single line spread across social media like wildfire. Within hours, it was trending on Twitter, fueling hot takes on every sports talk show from ESPN to FS1. And why not? This is exactly the kind of bulletin board material that can turn a tense rivalry into a full-blown grudge match.

THE RIVALRY THAT WON’T QUIT

To understand why these words hit so hard, you have to look back at the last few seasons.

In the 2021 AFC Championship Game, Joe Burrow and the Bengals stunned the football world by toppling Mahomes and the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium, punching their ticket to the Super Bowl. The Bengals’ swagger was born that day—and Chase has been one of its loudest voices ever since.

The following year, Mahomes got his revenge, leading Kansas City past Cincinnati in a dramatic AFC title game rematch before going on to win his second Super Bowl. The back-and-forth has made every Bengals-Chiefs showdown must-see TV, a clash of styles and egos that perfectly captures today’s NFL.

And while Mahomes has proven time and again why he’s the league’s most dangerous quarterback—two-time MVP, two-time Super Bowl champ—Chase isn’t interested in bowing down to anyone.

A SHOT ACROSS THE BOW—OR A SMART PLAY?

Reaction to Chase’s comments has been predictably polarized. Some former players applauded his candor.

“Look, this is football,” said retired Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman on his podcast. “If you don’t think you can beat the guy across from you, you’ve already lost. Ja’Marr is just telling it like it is.”

Others, though, wondered if the Bengals were poking the bear.

“You never want to give Mahomes extra motivation,” an anonymous AFC coach told The Athletic. “He already plays with a chip on his shoulder. You just made it bigger.”

But if you think Chase is losing sleep over it, think again. He doubled down the next day on Instagram, posting a photo of himself mid-celebration with the caption: “Pressure busts pipes…or makes diamonds.”

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE SEASON

All signs point to another collision course between these two juggernauts in 2025.

Mahomes remains the gold standard of quarterback play, but the Bengals are determined to prove they’re not just a one-hit wonder. Joe Burrow, now fully recovered from last season’s nagging calf injury, has been sharp in offseason workouts. Cincinnati’s front office also doubled down on keeping their offensive core intact, re-signing Tee Higgins to complement Chase.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs have reloaded as well, adding speed on offense and bolstering their defense. If the NFL schedule cooperates—and you can bet TV execs are praying it will—another playoff showdown feels inevitable.

And if it comes to pass, no one will forget Chase’s words.

BOTTOM LINE

This is why we love football. The talent. The tension. The unfiltered bravado.

Ja’Marr Chase didn’t just stir the pot—he flipped it over. Now it’s up to Mahomes and the Chiefs to answer.

Circle the date. Because when the Bengals and Chiefs meet again, it won’t just be a game. It’ll be a reckoning.