On Wednesday at the Super Bowl festivities in San Francisco, Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins joined NFL veteran Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson and Shannon Sharpe on the set of the Nightcap podcast. Their visit coincided with a lineup of 12 Bengals Pro Bowl players, showcasing an elite Bengals presence in the league. Chase and Higgins revealed plans to launch their own podcast, Chasing No. 1, scheduled for a spring debut on the Overtime platform, aiming to give fans an insider’s view of their lives beyond football.
Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowler known for his own podcasting pioneering, praised the Bengals’ talent depth, especially in their receiver position.
We keep some elite receivers every time. Every time.
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
He recognized the unique position Chase and Higgins hold as teammates and friends sharing the spotlight of being among the league’s top wide receivers. Their podcast will explore not only football insights but also personal experiences, providing fans a broader look at their lives away from the field.
What they’ve been able to accomplish as one is cool, and they understand they’re doing it on their days off, or when they have time away from the game of football. They’ll be able to talk about some things and allow the fans to see a different side of it like the things that are going on in their personal life. I think it’s a great idea.
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Following in the Footsteps of Podcasting Trailblazers
Chase and Higgins’ foray into podcasting finds inspiration from Johnson, an early figure in athlete podcasts during his Bengals tenure alongside Terrell Owens. Although linebacker A.J. Hawk is credited with starting a regular podcast in 2014, Johnson pointed out his earlier efforts with The T.Ocho Show four years prior on Versus.
I did something similar. Every Tuesday during the season,
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Johnson referred to himself as the “Godfather of Gab” and expressed strong confidence that this Bengals podcasting duo will find success, thanks to their status as one of the NFL’s top receiving pairs.
Absolutely. You’re talking about the best duo in the NFL. Two of the best receivers,
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
They’re allowing fans, not just Cincinnati fans, but fans around the world that love the game of football to see the different aspects of how players think. Reacting to games and games that are going to be played and other aspects of their lives.
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Chad Johnson Reflects on Pro Bowl Changes and Player Matchups
While Johnson has witnessed many Pro Bowls through his career, he noted a shift in the event’s energy and competitiveness, expressing some disappointment over recent games.
It’s not the same anymore. It’s not as exciting as what it was.
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Offering a solution to revive Pro Bowl intensity, Johnson proposed pitting older, still fit players against younger stars to create compelling matchups. Confident in his own abilities, Johnson joked about his potential dominance, despite being in his late 40s.
You want to make the Pro Bowl exciting again?
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Take the older players that are still in shape and allow them to go against the younger players.
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
The way the game is now, I’d ride everybody’s ass up,
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Easy. I’ve studied these dudes to a tee, and I’d beat them right now at 58 years old. Don’t I look great for 58?
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
In reality, Johnson turned 48 recently, yet his competitive spirit remains undiminished. He also named several of today’s top cornerbacks, including Browns’ Denzel Ward, Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II, and Texans’ Derek Stingley, noting their distinct playing styles.
Evaluating Bengals’ Defensive and Offensive Strengths
Johnson singled out Bengals Pro Bowl alternate cornerback DJ Turner II as a vital part of Cincinnati’s defense, praising his versatility and tackling skills.
He’s already arrived, Johnson remarked.
He’s just good all around, good off man, he can man up, and he’ll come up and bleeping tackle you.
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Johnson emphasized that Turner’s contributions are foundational as the Bengals continue to build their defense. Yet, even Turner would struggle to keep up with Johnson’s own confidence and bold declarations.
I’m unstoppable.
Ja’Marr Chase Recognized as NFL’s Elite Wide Receiver
Amid all the talk of talent, the debate about the NFL’s best wide receiver remains clear and undisputed for Johnson.
Ja’Marr Chase. He just is, Johnson said.
I can’t put it into words. Turn on the film. That explains it all. Maybe the only other team that has two true No. 1s are the Cowboys. Maybe Philly.
– Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
This acknowledgment highlights the rarity of teams like the Bengals, featuring two elite receivers in Chase and Higgins, a strength reflected in their on-field success and off-field collaborative projects like their upcoming podcast.
Visual Highlights of Bengals’ Pro Bowl Participants
The 2026 NFL Pro Bowl in San Francisco showcased remarkable performances by Cincinnati Bengals stars, including Ja’Marr Chase’s interception return for a touchdown and several other key plays involving Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Joe Flacco. Photographs captured celebrations of touchdowns, two-point conversions, and pivotal moments that affirmed the Bengals’ prominence on the league’s biggest stages.
The Bengals’ wide receivers’ visibility at the Pro Bowl underscores their rising influence in professional football, both as athletes and as personalities connecting with fans through emerging media like podcasting.
Significance of the Podcast Announcement for Bengals and Fans
Chase and Higgins’ announcement of Chasing No. 1 during such a high-profile event signals their intent to deepen engagement with fans beyond the game. This initiative offers a fresh perspective on their brotherhood, professionalism, and off-field experiences, setting a new standard for athlete-driven content.
Supported by Chad Johnson’s endorsement and their shared status as elite receivers, the podcast’s spring launch is anticipated to resonate across the NFL fan community. It also reinforces the Bengals’ image as a team that not only excels athletically but also embraces innovation in connecting with supporters worldwide.
Fans and observers alike can expect to hear candid conversations, game analysis, personal stories, and the dynamic chemistry that comes from two of the NFL’s most electrifying receivers collaborating off the field.
