Who is Deja Nicole Hiott? Inside the Life and Romance of Ja’Marr Chase’s Girlfriend

The Instagram Stories shared by Cincinnati Bengals superstar Ja’Marr Chase set social media ablaze last month. Intimate photos showing the NFL wide receiver locked in passionate embraces with a striking brunette sparked immediate speculation. Within hours, digital detectives had identified her as model and influencer Deja Nicole Hiott – thrusting the 28-year-old into the national spotlight as Ja’Marr Chase’s girlfriend. Their subsequent public appearances in Costa Rica and at an AC Milan match in Italy only fueled the romance rumors, creating a viral sensation that dominated sports and entertainment news cycles.

Deja Nicole Hiott: Biography and Background

Deja Nicole Hiott Johnson has cultivated a significant social media presence since 2016, long before her name became linked to the Bengals’ Pro Bowl receiver. Born in the United States, Hiott proudly represents a rich multicultural heritage. During a YouTube Q&A session, she revealed her diverse roots: “My mother is Italian, Irish, and part Scottish, while my father is Black and we believe has Native American ancestry.” This ethnic blend contributes to her distinctive look that’s captivated both fashion brands and followers.

Now at 28 years old, Hiott balances motherhood with entrepreneurship. She’s the founder of DN Skincare, leveraging her Instagram platform (@dejanicolehiott) to promote her beauty line while sharing glimpses of her wellness journey. Currently training as a certified Pilates instructor, she frequently posts workout videos and fitness milestones for her 248,000+ followers. Her content strategy blends glamorous photoshoots with relatable mom moments, creating an authentic connection with her audience that predates the Chase connection by nearly a decade.

Career, Relationships, and Motherhood Journey

Before her rumored romance with Ja’Marr Chase, Hiott navigated high-profile relationships with professional athletes. Her earliest public relationship was with former NFL wide receiver Martavis Bryant, with whom she shares her first child, son Kalle Alexander Bryant. This relationship established her presence in the sports-adjacent influencer space.

Hiott later became engaged to former NBA player Gerald Green in 2020. Their relationship produced two children – son Silas Asa Green and daughter Giana – but ended amid serious allegations. In 2021, Hiott publicly accused Green of physical and emotional abuse, sharing disturbing details on social media that brought domestic violence awareness to her platform. Court records from Harris County, Texas confirm protective orders were filed during this period, highlighting the challenging chapter before her current romance rumors.

Professionally, Hiott has modeled for streetwear and swimwear brands while strategically building her DN Skincare business. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through collaborations that emphasize natural beauty and self-care – values she integrates with her Pilates training. This multifaceted career demonstrates her business acumen beyond the “athlete girlfriend” label she’s recently acquired.

The Chase Connection: How Romance Rumors Ignited

The current firestorm began unexpectedly when Ja’Marr Chase shared private moments on his Instagram Stories in July 2025. The images showed unprecedented intimacy: Chase and Hiott kissing tenderly, wrapped in embraces that suggested a serious relationship. Though Chase didn’t initially identify his companion, eagle-eyed fans matched distinctive tattoos and locations to Hiott’s established social media presence.

The viral spread was instantaneous. Twitter erupted with reactions like user @FearedBuck’s exclamation: “NFL star Ja’Marr Chase and his girlfriend are going viral after their pictures hit the timeline,” accompanied by the controversial images. Memes and commentary flooded social platforms, with @YoshiSZNs tweeting: “Ja’Marr Chase wildin 😂” alongside one particularly revealing photo.

The speculation transformed into near-confirmation days later when paparazzi captured the pair vacationing together in Costa Rica. They were subsequently spotted enjoying an AC Milan soccer match in Italy, displaying comfortable physical chemistry that silenced most doubters. While neither party has issued formal statements, their public behavior suggests a blossoming relationship that’s captivated NFL and celebrity news outlets alike.

Public Reaction and Social Media Impact

The revelation generated polarized responses across platforms. Many fans expressed support, like those commenting heart emojis under Hiott’s recent Instagram posts. Others criticized the couple’s public displays, particularly Chase’s decision to share private moments. Sports analyst Marcus Thompson noted: “This is the double-edged sword of athlete-influencer relationships – genuine connection becomes instant public content.”

Hiott’s follower count surged by 18% within 72 hours of the initial leak according to social analytics tracker InfluencerMetrics.ai. Meanwhile, searches for “Ja’Marr Chase girlfriend” increased 1,400% on Google Trends. The couple’s every move now attracts media scrutiny, transforming Hiott from niche influencer to national celebrity almost overnight.

Must Know: Your Top Questions Answered

How did Ja’Marr Chase and Deja Nicole Hiott meet?
While the exact origin remains private, evidence suggests they connected through mutual circles in the professional sports world. Both move in athlete-centric social environments, with Hiott having previous relationships with NFL and NBA players. Their shared July vacations indicate the relationship was established before going public.

What does Deja Nicole Hiott do for a living?
Hiott is a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur: an Instagram model with brand partnerships, founder of DN Skincare, and a Pilates instructor-in-training. She’s strategically diversified her income streams beyond traditional influencing through her skincare line and fitness certification.

How many children does Deja Nicole Hiott have?
Hiott is mother to three children: son Kalle Alexander Bryant (with ex Martavis Bryant), and son Silas Asa Green and daughter Giana (with ex-fiancé Gerald Green). She frequently shares motherhood moments while maintaining boundaries around her children’s privacy.

Have Ja’Marr Chase and Deja Nicole Hiott confirmed their relationship?
As of publication, neither has made official statements confirming their romantic status. However, their joint public appearances and Chase’s initial Instagram Stories provide compelling evidence of a serious connection beyond casual dating.

What’s next for the couple?
With NFL training camp starting, attention shifts to how Chase balances new romance with professional demands. Hiott continues expanding her skincare line while navigating sudden fame. Their relationship will face immediate tests from Chase’s demanding schedule and intensified media scrutiny during the upcoming Bengals season.

Deja Nicole Hiott’s journey from entrepreneur to the spotlight of NFL fame illustrates how private lives become public narratives in the social media age. As Ja’Marr Chase’s girlfriend, she now navigates unprecedented visibility while maintaining her business ventures and motherhood responsibilities. For the latest verified updates on this developing story and Chase’s performance this season, follow trusted sports news sources and the Bengals’ official channels.