Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase picks Dallas Cowboys as his Madden team for nostalgic reasons

Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase picks Dallas Cowboys as his Madden team for nostalgic reasons

Ja’Marr Chase, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, has a surprising preference when playing Madden NFL. Despite his professional ties to Cincinnati, Chase always picks the Dallas Cowboys as his team in the game. He attributes this choice to nostalgia, recalling the Cowboys’ lineup from years past that featured Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and DeMarco Murray.

Chase shared this detail in a conversation on X, where he admitted, “I do always grab Dallas Cowboys every time that I play Madden. I don’t know why.” His attachment to the Cowboys stems from memories of that group and their offensive playbook, which he found particularly effective and enjoyable to use. The former Cowboys players left a lasting impression on him, shaping his Madden gaming habits well into his NFL career.

This revelation offers a glimpse into the personal side of one of the league’s standout receivers. Chase, who has become a key figure for the Bengals since entering the NFL, has a Madden rating to match his on-field success. He is part of the exclusive 99 Club in Madden NFL 27, maintaining the top rating he first earned in Madden NFL 26. This distinction places him among elite players like Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, Myles Garrett, and Trey McBride.

On the field, Chase’s 2025 season stats reflected his elite status: he caught 125 passes for 1,412 yards and scored eight touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors for the second time and was selected for his fifth Pro Bowl. This year, through five games, he has already recorded 27 receptions, 289 yards, and four touchdowns.

Despite his achievements with the Bengals, Chase’s Madden allegiance remains with the Cowboys, a team from his earlier gaming years. He credits the combination of Romo, Bryant, and Murray, along with their playbook, for making Dallas his go-to team in the game. His choice reveals how early influences can shape preferences outside of professional affiliations.

Chase’s comments came alongside his continued rise in both real and virtual football circles, highlighting the difference between team loyalty on the field and personal attachment in gaming. The Cowboys, no longer his NFL home, continue to hold a special place in his Madden experience, illustrating how formative moments from a player’s youth can persist alongside their current career.


According to Yahoo Sports.