When an NFL superstar signs a giant contract extension, the initial big-ticket indulgence typically is something unsurprising—a custom sports car, high-end bling, a private plane, or perhaps a lavish new estate. After all, when life gives you millions, why not splurge? But Tee Higgins? He’s writing his own playbook.

Fresh off inking a lucrative deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, Higgins revealed his first major purchase. And let’s just say—no one saw this coming. Not his teammates, not the media, and certainly not his fellow star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, whose stunned reaction spoke volumes. Higgins isn’t eyeing a Ferrari or a yacht. His dream purchase?

An in-wall fish tank. Yes, you’ve got it right. While most of the players shell out money on the traditional big-ticket items, Higgins has set his heart on an embedded water paradise right within his own house. This is not some wild impulse purchase. Higgins has had a fantasy of having a fancy fish tank for years. Since the 2023 season, he has been forthcoming about having a passion for marine life, specifically jellyfish. It all began when he saw a Discovery Channel documentary about high-tech aquariums and became fascinated with how they could be designed into beautiful pieces of home decor.

On March 18, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals had a press conference, where they announced long-term contract extensions for both Higgins and Chase. So now that he’s signed a deal for $115 million, Tee Higgins is turning that fantasy into reality. And he’s not putting in a standard aquarium in the corner of his living room—no, he wants the whole shebang. Built into the walls, specialized lighting, rare fish… the whole thing. While Bengals fans were probably hoping for an announcement about new offseason training plans or a bold statement about bringing home a Super Bowl, they got “I’m putting a fish tank in my wall” instead. And the moment he said it, Chase’s reaction was priceless.

Higgins has even admitted establishing a jellyfish tank as “one of the hardest things” he has attempted, but under his new deal, he’s ready to do it right.

Ja’Marr Chase’s reaction says it all

Chase, himself just signing an eye-watering $161 million contract extension, the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history—was obviously anticipating something a little more glamorous from his teammate. Rather, when Higgins just blithely dropped the bomb about the fish tank at a press conference, Chase could only manage one word: “Stunned.” A reaction that exactly encapsulated what everyone else in attendance was thinking.

To be honest, Tee Higgins is hardly the first athlete to splurge on an offbeat luxury item. Shaquille O’Neal once dropped $1 million at Walmart in one shopping spree. Chad Johnson spent two years living in a stadium to save money. And Ben Simmons? He has a reputation for having an over-the-top Fortnite-themed gaming station. But a fish tank built into the walls? That’s a commitment on another level.

Apart from his surprise buyout, Higgins’ new deal solidifies him as a starter in Cincinnati’s offense. The four-year, $115 million extension ranks him as the highest-paid WR2 in the NFL. This ensures that he is an integral part of the Bengals’ explosive offense. The contract features guarantees for the first two years, too, providing the security he can build on in the system.

Looking back on his experience with the team, Tee Higgins expressed his feelings about remaining in Cincinnati: “For me, it’s been a long time, it’s finally here, I’m just happiest with this organization.” They are the sentiments of relief and anticipation that accompany the long-term commitment.

Both Higgins and Chase securing long-term contracts is an indicator of a rosy future for the Bengals’ offense. With quarterback Joe Burrow already established as the franchise anchor, Cincinnati is making sure its star receiving tandem stays together for years to come. For Tee Higgins, that party includes custom aquascaping. And although it is not the flashy buy fans were anticipating, it’s unmistakenly Higgins, relaxed, quirky, and totally unpredictable.