“He’s just too big time for me”: Ja’marr Chase takes a funny jab at Vikings WR Justin Jefferson

Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson shared the field at LSU, contributing to what many consider one of the greatest seasons in college football history. Together, they shattered multiple offensive records, cementing their roles as key players in that legendary season.

The bond between these All-Pro wide receivers has remained strong, but their dynamic during the NFL season is unique.

On Thursday, Chase addressed the media and shared a lighthearted explanation for why he and Jefferson don’t communicate much during the season. Laughing, he said,

“He’s just too big-time for me, man. He just don’t respond to me, bro.”

Although said with a smile, Chase’s comment underscores their commitment to excellence. Both are among the NFL’s best in their positions, and that level of success demands sacrifices—including temporarily setting aside their friendship during the season. Once their campaigns end, it’s easy to imagine them reconnecting as if no time had passed.

A competitive friendship fueled by success

Chase may joke about Jefferson being “too big-time,” but the Bengals star wide receiver isn’t exactly an underdog. Comparing their first 55 games in the NFL, Chase’s stats are impressively close to Jefferson’s.

• Ja’Marr Chase, first 55 games – 494 targets, 334 receptions, 4,698 receiving yards, 39 touchdowns
• Justin Jefferson, first 55 games – 529 targets, 360 receptions, 5,396 receiving yards, 28 touchdowns

And if you look at their 2024 season stats so far, Chase edges out his former LSU teammate:

• Ja’Marr Chase, 2024 season – 6.6 receptions, 98.1 receiving yards, 1.0 touchdown per game
• Justin Jefferson, 2024 season – 5.9 receptions, 92.3 receiving yards, 0.6 touchdown per game

From LSU legends to NFL superstars

The duo’s journey began at LSU, where they played pivotal roles in the Tigers’ dominant 2019 National Championship-winning season. That year, Chase and Jefferson were practically unstoppable, rewriting LSU’s history books on their way to the title.

• Ja’Marr Chase, 2019 season – 84 receptions, 1,780 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns
• Justin Jefferson, 2019 season – 111 receptions, 1,540 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns

Adding to their historic season was LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, who is now Chase’s teammate in Cincinnati. Burrow’s numbers in 2019 were nothing short of extraordinary—5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns, and a 76.3% completion rate—earning him the Heisman Trophy in a landslide victory.

Together, this trio created an unforgettable legacy, one that still resonates in college football and beyond.

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