Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey has never been shy about talking trash to his opponents. In fact, he has built a tremendous career off the back of talking a big game and backing it up with crushing hits and game-changing plays. His confidence and intensity have made him one of the most feared defensive backs in the NFL. It has also made him one of the most difficult and frustrating players to face, which benefits the Steelers, but makes things very tough for his opponents.
Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey ahead of a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 season.
However, sometimes his antics can lead to on-field confrontations. In the Week 11 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ramsey got into a heated altercation with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. The clash escalated, and Ramsey was ejected from the game for throwing a punch at Chase. After the fact, it was revealed that Chase had spat on him or at least in his direction, a disgusting act that led to Chase being suspended for one game and fined $500,000.
On Monday, Chase issued an apology, via his Instagram account, to the Steelers organization and their fans. However, he failed to apologize directly to Ramsey, which left many Steelers fans feeling that the apology fell short. While some saw it as a step in the right direction, others remain unwilling to accept it, believing Chase needed to take full responsibility for his actions toward Ramsey.
"To my team, fans, the Bengals organization, the Steelers organization, and the NFL community: Please know I am speaking from my heart when I say I take full responsibility for my actions during last Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. What I did was wrong. The circumstances don't matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There's zero place in our sport — or in life — for that level of disrespect. I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I let my emotions in the moment get the better of me. I can only hope and trust you know none of it represents who I am — not as a competitor, teammate, or person. I also want to apologize to my coaches, teammates, and organization for not meeting my own standards as a leader of this team. This has been a tough season with some incredibly hard losses. We've all been frustrated. But instead of stepping up with calm, class, and leadership, I let you down. My having to sit out yesterday's game makes my actions even more inexcusable. I won't let it happen again. Finally, I want to apologize to my fans. I do not take anyone who wears my jersey for granted. I do not take my position as a role model lightly. As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, I should have taken immediate accountability for what happened. I am committed to earning back your respect — not just with words, but with my actions, day after day, on and off the field. I promise to keep learning from this and to set a higher standard for myself moving forward. With respect, Ja'Marr Chase."
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Not Named In Ja'Marr Chase Apology
Though Chase didn’t directly mention Ramsey by name, he did say he is apologizing to everyone within the Steelers organization, which does include Ramsey. Steelers fans can decide whether he should have named him specifically, but the gesture is at least something Chase should have done several days ago.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey breaks up a pass that was intended for Ja'Marr Chase during the 2025 season.
He initially denied spitting on Ramsey and made some egregious statements until video evidence proved otherwise. An apology is appreciated, but it doesn’t erase the fact that he spat on another player during a fight. As Mike Tomlin stated, if someone spits in your face, there is no message—just do what comes naturally.
Steelers fans, what do you think about Ja’Marr Chase’s apology? Do you find it strange that he didn’t mention Jalen Ramsey by name, or do you feel the apology is enough to make up for spitting on him? Share your thoughts with Steeler Nation in the comment section below. Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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