The AFC North will be a hard fought after division this year, especially if the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense can remain healthy. Last year, future NFL legend and Bengals QB Joe Burrow was out for a good chunk of the season due to injuries. Because of that, Cincinnati star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s yards last season were about three hundred fewer than they were in 2024. Chase is expected to have a big 2026, and that is backed up by NFL legend and former wide receiver Torry Holt.
When Holt was asked in a recent interview who would be most likely to surpass Calvin Johnson’s record of 1,946 in a season, Holt only had one name that came to mind.
“If I had to guess,” Holt said, “with a healthy Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase I think will be first…probably scratch the surface of what Calvin Johnson was able to do.”
Ja'Marr Chase 2K??????
Torry Holt says yessss @Bengals pic.twitter.com/Ndn7MDFZmY
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) June 17, 2026
NFL Legend Did Not Hedge His Response
That statement is particularly meaningful given that Holt did not try to hedge his response and list the names of multiple players. Instead, the NFL legend named the first receiver that comes to mind and indicated Chase will have the best opportunity of any player to challenge one of the NFL’s most untouchable individual achievements in its history. The connection between Chase and Burrow will play the key role in Chase’s success.
With those two players on the field at the same time this team has always produced some of the biggest offensive numbers, and Chase’s statistical production abilities alone have proven what he is capable of producing in a season.
So availability, not his talent level has been the issue.
Burrow’s Health is the Key to Success
Another element arguably as crucial as any contract negotiation or personnel transaction is Burrow’s health. Although the Bengals have generally managed to stay in contention throughout his career, their ultimate success has regularly depended on his presence on the field. Burrow has unfortunately missed portions of multiple seasons during his tenure with the club, forcing Cincinnati to operate without its most vital player at times.
Fortunately, heading into 2026, he seems completely recovered and healthy which is potentially the most uplifting situation for a Super Bowl hopeful.
A healthy Burrow for an entire season drastically elevates the Bengals’ outlook in the AFC.
Why NFL Legend is So High on Chase
It’s not too hard to see where the NFL legend is coming from. From the time that the Chase entered the league, he has developed into one of the game’s most explosive threats, and has built a solid resume since his rookie season with the Bengals. His blend of athleticism, toughness and synergy with Burrow makes him a threat to deliver enormous gains each Sunday. Given Chase’s age and production through the first portion of his career, it is easy to see why the NFL legend believes the star receiver has a realistic chance to eventually rewrite the franchise record book.
Chase is on His Way to Becoming an NFL Legend
As Chase enters the prime of his career, the possibility of surpassing Johnson’s franchise record no longer feels far fetched. The Bengals receiver has already established himself as one of the league’s elite playmakers, and he remains tied to one of the NFL’s best quarterback-receiver combinations alongside Burrow. While there is still a long way to go before any record falls, the endorsement from the NFL legend speaks to just how highly Chase is viewed. If he continues producing at his current pace, Holt’s prediction may eventually become reality.
