The rivalry between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs has produced plenty of memorable moments over the last few years. At one point, the tensions between the two sides moved well beyond the field after Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase repeatedly made pointed public comments about Patrick Mahomes.

The situation first caught major attention during the Bengals minicamp in June 2023. According to FOX Sports coverage, earlier that week, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow had openly called Mahomes the best quarterback in football while speaking with reporters. A few days later, Chase was asked about Burrow's comments during Bengals minicamp interviews.

“Pat who?” Chase said during Bengals minicamp media availability on June 14, 2023.

His comments had gained significant attention online that week because of how directly Chase brushed aside Mahomes. Notably, a year before the interview, the Kansas City quarterback won his second NFL MVP award and was also the NFL passing yards leader.

The 2022 season also saw Mahomes become the NFL passing touchdowns leader.

A few days later, Mahomes appeared to answer Chase during the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII ring ceremony. He posted a photo showing off his championship ring shortly after Chase's remarks had gone viral online.

“That’s Who,” Mahomes wrote in his X caption alongside two ring emojis.

More than a year later, in July 2024, while discussing who deserved the No. 1 spot in the ranking, Chase repeatedly avoided saying Patrick Mahomes’ name.

“I’m not saying him,” Chase said during an NFL Top 100 interview content released in July 2024. “I give credit when it’s due.”

Meanwhile, Mahomes gained support from his teammate.

Patrick Mahomes-Ja'Marr Chase Debate Reached the Kelce Brothers

After Chase’s comments about Mahomes started making rounds across NFL media in June 2023, the conversation eventually reached Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce during an episode of their New Heights podcast.

“Who doesn’t love some good locker room banter, man? Shoutout to Ja’Marr Chase for holding it down for his QB, but don’t you ever disrespect Pat Mahomes, now,” Travis said while reacting to Chase’s remarks. “If you wanna talk your s***, talk your s***, p***. Just better back it up.”

The Cincinnati Bengals last faced the Kansas City Chiefs on September 15, 2024, in a Week 2 matchup where the Chiefs won 26-25 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The two teams will be facing off again this season on December 13.

Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes are set to face off for the sixth time, with Burrow leading the head-to-head battle 3-2 and remaining unbeaten against Mahomes at Paycor Stadium. Mahomes now has another opportunity to answer back against Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals.

Will he be able to do that? Share your thoughts.

Read more at Cincinnati Bengals Community.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar