One of the best receivers in the NFL resides not far from Columbus. Just south on I-71, you’ll find Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals terrorizing opposing cornerbacks. In just five years in the league, Chase has accumulated over 6,800 receiving yards (never a season under 1,000 yards) and has hauled in 54 touchdowns. The man knows a thing or two about the position and what it takes to succeed.
In a recent interview, Chase sat down with NFL Network’s Inside Training Camp Live to answer a few questions. In what has already become a remarkable career, the guys asked the Cincinnati wide receiver who the toughest cornerbacks were that he’s had to face. It didn’t take Chase long to give an answer as he listed two: Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos and former Ohio State Buckeye Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns.
Ward was a first-round pick by the Browns in 2018. Cleveland selected him with the No. 4 overall pick, and Ward has proven to be worthy of such a high selection. He has been named to the Pro Bowl four times (2018, 2021, 2023, and 2024). In eight seasons in the NFL, Ward has racked up 18 interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. His play recently led to a contract extension worth $62.2 million over two years with $52.3 million guaranteed.
Ja’Marr Chase says that Denzel Ward and Patrick Surtain II are the two toughest CBs that he’s had to face off against “by far.” (via @nflnetwork) pic.twitter.com/15W3apvWCI
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2026
Chase and Ward know each other well, being division rivals. The former Buckeye consistently holds Chase under his typical high-volume yardage average. The Browns and Bengals won’t face off until December 6 this year and then again in the regular season finale on January 10.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase says former Buckeye DB toughest “by far”
