The long-running speculation about Cincinnati Bengals superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's romantic life finally got a clear answer in mid-2025. After months of fan curiosity and online guessing games, the NFL star has been publicly linked to influencer and entrepreneur Deja Nicole Hiott, also known as Deja Nicole Hiott Johnson.
The "Soft Launch" That Spoke Volumes
According to reports from major publications like People and Parade, the relationship came into public view through social media. Deja Nicole Hiott began posting photos and video clips with the football star on platforms like TikTok, turning what might have been a subtle "soft launch" into a loud announcement. The couple reportedly went "Instagram official" in June 2025.
This surge in interest is far from accidental. Ja'Marr Chase is not only a face of the Bengals franchise but also, as of March 2025, the highest-paid wide receiver in the entire NFL. He secured a massive four-year contract extension worth $161 million, averaging a staggering $40.25 million per season. Such monumental financial success inevitably magnifies the spotlight on a player's personal life, even for those who prefer to keep quiet.
Who is Deja Nicole Hiott?
Deja Nicole Hiott has carved out her own space in the digital world. Described as an influencer and pilates instructor, she has built a following by sharing aspects of her lifestyle. Her social media feeds now offer glimpses of her life with Chase, including mirror selfies and travel moments. She has also been seen supporting him from the stands at Bengals games.
Beyond social media, Hiott is an entrepreneur. People magazine reported that she co-founded a skincare brand named DN Skin with her sister back in 2020 and has collaborated with various brands as an influencer. The buzz around the couple reached beyond sports circles, with outlets like Where Is The Buzz highlighting a "viral moment" in July 2025 after a particular TikTok photo dump sparked intense online reaction.
A Private Relationship with a Public Timeline
Despite the online activity, Chase and Hiott have maintained a relatively private stance. They have not conducted any formal interview to confirm their relationship status. However, the digital trail tells its own story. Some fan sleuthing, referenced by Parade, suggests the pair may have been dating earlier than the public social media posts indicated, though this remains unconfirmed by either party.
The simple formula for the story's popularity? Hiott posts content, Chase is a global sports icon, and the internet connects the dots. The narrative gained further traction due to Chase's existing personal history, which often resurfaces in online discussions.
Chase has a young son, Ja'Marr Amir Chase Jr., from a previous relationship. Public awareness of his fatherhood was amplified in 2023 due to custody and child support filings covered by outlets like The Blast. Additionally, Chase has dealt with unrelated online controversy stemming from a 2021 incident involving an Instagram model, which led to a temporary restraining order being granted in August 2023, as reported by TMZ.
For Ja'Marr Chase, life in the spotlight means that both his professional triumphs and personal milestones become part of a larger public conversation. His record-breaking contract and his relationship with Deja Nicole Hiott are now intertwined chapters in his rapidly evolving story.
