It’s no secret that the “student” aspect of being a “student-athlete” often takes a backseat for many college athletes, and Ja’Marr Chase was candid about his own experience during his time at LSU. In a recent conversation, Chase admitted that academics were not exactly his primary focus while he was playing college football.
Many student-athletes take full advantage of the academic opportunities that come with playing a college sport, using their time on campus to earn degrees and prepare for life beyond athletics. However, for those familiar with the world of college athletics, it’s also well-known that pursuing a degree is not always the top priority for many players—especially those who see college sports as a stepping stone to a professional career.
Back in 2012, former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones famously brought attention to this sentiment with a legendary tweet where he openly questioned why college athletes were required to attend classes, saying, “We ain’t come to play school.” The tweet captured a reality that many college athletes face, and Jones later had fun with his own words by printing the phrase on his graduation cap when he finally earned his degree in 2017.
Ja’Marr Chase’s perspective aligns with that mindset to some extent, especially considering that his primary focus during his time at LSU was on maximizing his athletic potential. For many players, college sports are an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage, with the ultimate goal of making it to the professional level.
While that approach is a gamble—since not every player makes it to the pros—it’s also understandable why some prioritize athletics over academics when the potential rewards are so high.
Chase’s decision to leave LSU after three years was certainly one that paid off for him. Although he only played two seasons for the Tigers (sitting out the 2020 season to avoid injury and protect his draft stock), the gamble proved to be worthwhile.
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Since entering the NFL, Chase has earned more than $30 million midway through his fourth season with the Cincinnati Bengals, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier wide receivers.
On Tuesday, Chase spoke about his time at LSU while discussing the fast-paced preparation required for Thursday night games in the NFL.
He acknowledged that he wasn’t particularly focused on academics during his college years, admitting that hitting the books wasn’t exactly his priority while he was in Baton Rouge.
According to Chase’s profile on LSU’s official website, the star wide receiver was pursuing a degree in Sport Administration and is still working towards earning his diploma through LSU’s Project Graduation degree program. It appears that, now that he’s older and more experienced, Chase may have developed a greater appreciation for the value of education. Despite his success on the field, he seems to understand the importance of finishing what he started academically.
Chase’s story is a common one for many high-profile college athletes who are focused on making it to the professional level.
While the academic experience is an important part of college life, the demands of being an elite athlete often mean that education takes a backseat—at least temporarily.
Now, as a professional athlete who has found financial success, Chase seems to be reconsidering the role that academics play in his life, showing that it’s never too late to prioritize education.
Ultimately, Ja’Marr Chase’s journey serves as a reminder of the balancing act that many student-athletes face. While their athletic careers may take them to great heights, the pursuit of an education remains a valuable endeavor, one that Chase appears to be embracing more fully as he continues to grow both on and off the field.
