Cincinnati’s football and baseball worlds briefly collided Tuesday when Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Reds rookie Sal Stewart traded signed jerseys after training camp. Stewart left with Chase’s Bengals jersey, while Chase received a signed Reds jersey from the first-year All-Star.
The Cincinnati Enquirer captured the post-practice exchange, giving Cincinnati fans a rare look at two of the city’s brightest young sports names swapping team colors. It was a small gesture, but a particularly Cincinnati one: orange-and-black football star meets red-hot baseball newcomer.
Stewart’s All-Star Summer Meets Chase’s Bengals Star Power
Stewart’s jersey carried a little extra weight after he earned his first National League All-Star selection this season. MLB.com described Stewart as one of the Reds’ emerging young stars alongside pitcher Chase Burns.
Chase brings his own considerable résumé to the exchange. The Bengals’ official profile notes that the receiver has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first five NFL seasons, making him one of the most recognizable athletes in Cincinnati.
A Simple Swap With Big Cincinnati Energy
There was no trade deadline drama or contract announcement attached to the moment, just two athletes recognizing each other during an unusually busy stretch for both Cincinnati teams. Stewart now has a signed Chase jersey for football Sundays, and Chase has a signed reminder of the Reds’ latest young star.
For a city that spends much of the year toggling between Bengals and Reds mode, the exchange offered a neat bit of crossover: one local standout showing appreciation for another, with both leaving practice carrying a piece of the other team.
