A pair of NFL stars traded the gridiron for the ice earlier this week, taking in the sights at the Montreal Canadiens’ training facility.
Cincinnati Bengals’ running back Chase Brown and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase took a guided tour of the CN Sports Complex in Brossard, Que. with Canadiens’ player development consultant Paul Byron. The pair, who were in town to promote the NFL Flag Regional Championships in Lachine, visited the Habs’ locker room and took to the ice in their own customized jerseys to fire a few shots.
Brown, who grew up in London, Ont., also got the chance to share some Canadian delicacies with his teammate, including poutine, Montreal bagels, Timbits, and ketchup chips.
The 24-year-old Canadian carved out a nice role for himself after he was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Bengals. In 12 games as a rookie, he carried 44 times for 179 yards while adding 14 receptions for 156 yards and his first career touchdown. He also returned two kickoffs for 44 yards and contributed five tackles on special teams.
Chase was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in his first season. The LSU product has since been voted to three Pro Bowls, racking up 268 receptions for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns in 45 career games.
The Bengals finished 9-8 in 2023 and did not qualify for the playoffs. The Canadiens went 30-36-16 and also missed the postseason.
