Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow are already one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duos in the NFL. The two also played in college together at LSU and happen to be best friends. They’re neighbors, too, and the story of how that came to be is one that should be told more often.
During an episode of “Hear that Podcast Growlin'” this week, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic shared the awesome story of how Chase bought a house on the same street where Burrow lives in the Cincinnati area. After the Bengals drafted Chase fifth overall last year, the 21-year-old decided to go to Burrow’s street and start knocking on doors offering to buy houses that were not listed for sale. Eventually, he found someone who was willing to sell.
“He was looking for a place to live. He of course said, ‘Well, I want to live next to Joe Burrow.’ So what did he do? He went down to the street that Joe Burrow lives on and went door to door, knocking on every door offering to buy their house,” Dehner said. “What else do you do if you’re rich and want to live next to your buddy? You just go to people’s houses that live in the neighborhood and offer to buy them. And guess what? He bought one! Somebody sold him their house, so he lives next to Joe Burrow now on their little street and they’re like one happy family.
“He basically went around and was like, ‘Hi, I’m Ja’Marr Chase. I have lots of money and I want to buy the house.’ Eventually he found somebody that he bought it from, and now they’re neighbors.”
That’s amazing. We’d love to know how much over market value Chase had to offer. Considering he has a $30 million contract that is fully guaranteed, we’re guessing the seller was very happy with the transaction.
Chase seemed like an obvious pick for the Bengals last year due to his history with Burrow. The two players’ dads are even close, as evidenced by the awesome photo they took together during the playoffs. If chemistry is important, the Bengals could not ask for a better situation.
Photo: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) waives after converting a third down during the game winning final Cincinnati Bengals drive in the fourth quarter of the NFL game on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati
