Burrow Playfully Jabs Chase on Pro Bowl Sideline

Bengals stars joke about Chase's tackling skills during in-game interview

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase were interviewed during the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, where Burrow jokingly questioned Chase's tackling ability after the receiver scored a defensive touchdown with a celebratory backflip.

Why it matters

The lighthearted exchange between the two Bengals stars showcases the fun and camaraderie of the Pro Bowl event, where players can let their personalities shine through in a more relaxed setting compared to the intensity of the regular NFL season.

The details

During the second quarter, ESPN reporter Michelle Beisner-Buck interviewed Burrow and Chase. Burrow had just scored the AFC's first touchdown of the game, while earlier Chase had returned an interception for a score and celebrated with a backflip. Beisner-Buck asked Burrow if he thought Chase should play both offense and defense, to which Burrow jokingly replied, "I don't know if he wants to tackle anybody very much. How many tackles did you have this year?" Chase smiled and admitted he only had 5 tackles on the season, prompting Burrow to suggest, "You've got to get him mad and then he'll go and get some tackles." Chase said he was just out there "having a little bit more fun than usual" and might do another backflip if he made another play, which he did in the third quarter with a touchdown reception.

  • During the second quarter of the 2026 Pro Bowl Games
  • Earlier in the game, Burrow scored the AFC's first touchdown
  • In the first quarter, Chase returned an interception for a score and did a backflip celebration

The players

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, known for his strong arm and mobility.

Ja'Marr Chase

The star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, known for his explosive playmaking ability and acrobatic catches.

Michelle Beisner-Buck

An ESPN reporter who conducted the in-game interview with Burrow and Chase.

Jared Goff

The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions, who threw the interception that Chase returned for a touchdown.

Joe Flacco

The backup quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who threw a touchdown pass to Chase in the third quarter.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if he wants to tackle anybody very much. How many tackles did you have this year?”

— Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback

“Five. I did, yes. Five.”

— Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver

“You've got to get him mad and then he'll go and get some tackles.”

— Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback

“I'm just out here having a little bit more fun than usual. If I make another play, I might do one more (backflip).”

— Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver

What’s next

Chase will look to continue his playmaking ways in the second half of the Pro Bowl Games, while Burrow and the AFC squad will aim to secure a victory.

The takeaway

The lighthearted exchange between Burrow and Chase showcases the camaraderie and fun spirit of the Pro Bowl, where star players can let their personalities shine through in a more relaxed setting compared to the intensity of the regular NFL season.