Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase found himself in an awkward situation days after signing a huge $161 million contract. A video showed a woman approaching him for a hug outside a New York club. Chase walked straight past her without speaking or stopping.
The woman, dressed in black, rolled her eyes in clear disappointment as he calmly called his car. This incident happened just after Chase refused to sign an autograph for a fan on a plane, making fans debate his behavior online.
Chase has faced similar uncomfortable moments before. In 2023, he dealt with a stalker who falsely claimed he was the father of her child, leading to legal action. Many fans supported Chase’s reaction, calling it “smart boundary-setting.” Others criticized him, arguing he was rude to ignore the woman. The video spread quickly, with jokes comparing his movement to avoiding defenders on the football field.
At 25, Chase is one of the NFL’s top players. He won college football’s national championship in 2019 and reached the Super Bowl with the Bengals in 2021. In 2024, he led the league in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns – a rare “triple crown” achievement. Despite his record-breaking season, the Bengals missed the playoffs.
Chase recently became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a 4-year, $161 million deal. His 2025 salary alone is $41 million. Off the field, he values privacy – quietly dating Pilates instructor Deja Hiott and rarely sharing personal details. He once stated, “Keeping my private life separate lets me speak freely about other things.”
This incident highlights the tension between fame and personal space. Athletes like Chase face constant public attention but have the right to set boundaries. As debates continue, one thing is clear: not every fan interaction ends with a smile or signature – and viral moments can happen anywhere.
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