Ja’Marr Chase voted as Bengals’ winner of media cooperation award by local beat writers

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was voted as the Bengals’ winner for the NFL’s annual media cooperation award this year voted on by nine local beat writers who cover the team on a daily basis.

The three-time Pro Bowler has made himself available multiple times a week to the media for long periods of time, no matter the circumstance. In his interviews, Chase has been accountable, entertaining and easy to work with. He’s made the jobs of reporters easier with his candor.

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Chase was presented with a custom plaque that has his name and the year 2023. Some of the previous winners of this award are: Lorenzo Neal (2001), Carson Palmer (2009), Andrew Whitworth (2012), Carlos Dunlap (2017), Andy Dalton (2019), Giovani Bernard (2020), C.J. Uzomah (2021) and Ted Karras (2022).

The former No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft has evolved into one of the biggest superstars in the game. He’s made the Pro Bowl every season he’s been in the league and has amassed more than 1,000 receiving yards each year.

He’s one of two players in NFL history (Randy Moss) with more than 2,000 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns under the age of 23.

With one more game to play this season, Chase has 96 catches for 1,197 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s hopeful to get four more receptions on Sunday against the Browns to total 100 catches on the season for the first time in his career.

Following the season, Chase is eligible for a contract extension with the Bengals. Cincinnati’s main focus this offseason will be getting a long-term deal in place for their star wide receiver to pair with quarterback Joe Burrow for years to come.

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Chase is dealing with a shoulder injury but plans to play the final game of the season. When asked how close he is to being 100 percent, Chase said he is "close to 73 percent."

It’s important for him to play in the final game of the season despite the fact that the Bengals are eliminated from postseason contention.

"I want to show the guys I put my body on the line for those guys,” Chase said. “I love football. You never know when it is really going to be your last game."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals' Ja’Marr Chase wins award for cooperation with media this season