Before their Tuesday matchup against the Athletics, Sal Stewart and fellow Reds players made a stop at the Kettering Health Bengals Practice Field to join Ja’Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals for a training camp practice.
Stewart was joined by Emilio Pagán, Rhett Lowder, Spencer Steer, Julian Garcia, Tony Santillan and bullpen coach Oscar Marin to tour Paycor Stadium and watch Bengals training camp.
Once the players arrived, they were personally escorted by Eric Ball, former Bengals running back and current director of player relations, to different areas throughout the stadium. The Reds enjoyed a walk on the field as well as a tour of the weight room, team theater, training recovery room and the Bengals locker room.
Then, the players walked over to the field and watched the Bengals practice alongside notable guests such as former Bengals offensive tackle and Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, former punter Kevin Huber and former cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones.
After keeping up with the Bengals throughout their season, Pagán spoke about what the unique experience meant for him and his teammates.
“The Bengals staff were very welcoming, giving us a look at the whole stadium,” Pagán said. “The team and staff are getting ready for the season and to compete for a championship. So, for them to welcome us to the sideline and be right there in the middle of it all, was a super cool experience. This is not an experience we will take for granted because not everyone gets to do something like that. The group and I had a really good time.”
Stewart, who wore his Chase jersey for the day, described the trip to Paycor Stadium as one of the coolest things he’s ever done.
“It was awesome!” Stewart said. “I’m a huge football fan and so it was cool seeing other athletes go about their business and do what they do. It was a great day.”
Throughout the practice, Chase, wide receiver Tee Higgins, center Ted Karras, kicker Evan McPherson and head coach Zac Taylor came over to introduce themselves to the Reds.
Chase joined Stewart and the other players to discuss if getting hit by a linebacker or baseball was harder, what they do after practice and where the best place for tacos is in Cincinnati.
The Bengals finished up practice, and the Reds were brought into their team huddle. In the huddle, Stewart was asked to join Chase in the middle to exchange jerseys and give personalized Reds jerseys to Chase, Taylor and Karras.
Then, Stewart broke down the huddle and concluded practice for the team.
“I admire [Chase’s] work and like him a lot as a player,” Stewart said. “I love when he said, ‘I’m like 7/11, I’m always open.’ And it’s true! He is always open. He’s obviously the best wide receiver in the league so it was cool and I love watching him play.”