Reds' Rookie of the Year Jonathan India congratulates Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase

The city of Cincinnati now has two of the best first-year players in their respective sports. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase took home the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year after a dominant performance during his first year in the NFL. The National League Rookie of the Year, Cincinnati Reds' second baseman Jonathan India, was quick to congratulate Chase on the award.

India has been following the Bengals run through the playoffs. He and fellow rookie Tyler Stephenson, have been the Reds most vocal presence on social media, cheering Cincinnati all the way to Super Bowl LVI, which kicks off on Sunday, February 13th.

Reds' Jonathan India recognizes Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase.

Ja'Marr Chase has been the most dominant rookie in the NFL this season, and frankly, it's not even close. Chase led all rookies and finished fourth in the NFL with 1,455 receiving yards. That's the most by any rookie in the Super Bowl era.

Chase recorded 81 catches and 13 touchdowns during the 2021 season and also set the rookie-mark for the most yards in a single game by a rookie when he went off for 266 yards in the Bengals 34-31 win versus the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. Chase's 290 receiving yards in the playoffs is the most ever by a rookie receiver, surpassing the great Torry Holt (1999).

Jonathan India was quick to jump on Twitter after it was announced that Ja'Marr Chase won the Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award to offer blessings and congrats to the Bengals' No. 1. India knows a little something about taking home Rookie of the Year honors himself.

The Cincinnati Reds' second baseman swept the rookie awards during his first major league season. India hit .269/.376/.459 with 21 home runs and 69 RBIs to go along with 12 stolen bases. India led all NL rookies in doubles, RBIs, and walks. Only Frank Schwindel of the Chicago Cubs had a higher OPS than India, but played in 94 fewer games.

The Queen City is now home to two of the best young players in both the National Football League and Major League Baseball. Hopefully the Cincinnati Reds will get off their duffs following their lockout and surround India with some talent; similar to the way the Cincinnati Bengals added some key players to their team this past offseason.