Brief Introduction of Chase Young
Chase Young is a dominant American football defensive end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). A formidable presence on the field, he rose to prominence during his college career at Ohio State University, where he was a unanimous All-American and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019. Selected second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders, he made an immediate impact, earning the prestigious NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Known for his exceptional athleticism and pass-rushing prowess, Young continues to be a key player in the league.
Chase Young Overview
| Full Name | Chase Young |
| Date of Birth | April 14, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Upper Marlboro, Maryland, U.S. |
| Family | Father: Greg Young, Mother: Carla Young, Sister: Weslie Young |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Profession | American Football Defensive End |
| Current Team | New Orleans Saints |
| Net Worth | Estimated in millions (specific 2025 figures vary) |
Early Life and Education of Chase Young
Chase Young was born on April 14, 1999, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He began his football journey at a young age, initially attending St. Columba School in Oxon Hill. His high school years were split between St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, where he played his freshman and sophomore years, and DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville for his junior and senior years. At DeMatha, he solidified his reputation as a top-tier defensive talent, helping the team secure Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) championships. Beyond the gridiron, Young was a multifaceted student, participating in the school choir and playing the piano, saxophone, and violin.
High School Accolades
Young’s performance at DeMatha Catholic High School was nothing short of stellar. In his junior year, he recorded an impressive 19 sacks and 27 tackles for loss. His senior season was equally dominant, with 118 tackles, 19 sacks, and five forced fumbles, leading his team to an undefeated season and another WCAC championship. His exceptional talent earned him national recognition as one of the top high school players in the country.
Chase Young’s Career
College Career at Ohio State
After receiving scholarship offers from over 40 universities, Young committed to Ohio State University. He quickly became a standout player for the Buckeyes. In his sophomore season, he was named second-team All-Big Ten. His junior year in 2019 was historic; he set an Ohio State single-season record with 16.5 sacks, was a unanimous All-American, and became a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, a rare feat for a defensive player. That season, he also won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player.
NFL Career
Washington Commanders (2020–2023)
Young declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was widely regarded as the best overall prospect. The Washington Commanders selected him with the second overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $34.56 million. His rookie season was impactful; he led all rookies with 7.5 sacks, earned a Pro Bowl selection, and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
His sophomore season in 2021 was cut short by a significant knee injury, tearing his ACL and patellar tendon. This injury and the lengthy recovery process also caused him to miss a majority of the 2022 season.
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
On November 1, 2023, the Commanders traded Young to the San Francisco 49ers. In his time with the 49ers, he recorded 2.5 sacks and played in Super Bowl LVIII, where he had one sack in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The move reunited him with his former Ohio State teammate, Nick Bosa.
New Orleans Saints (2024–Present)
In March 2024, Young signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. The following year, he signed a three-year contract extension worth $51 million with the Saints.
Chase Young Personal Life & Family
Chase Young comes from a family with a strong background in law enforcement. His father, Greg Young, played college basketball at Bowie State University before serving as a deputy sheriff. His mother, Carla, works for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Investigations. He has a sister named Weslie, who also played college basketball. Inspired by his family’s line of work, Young pursued a degree in criminology at Ohio State.
Awards and Achievements of Chase Young
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year | 2020 |
| Pro Bowl | 2020 |
| PFWA All-Rookie Team | 2020 |
| Bronko Nagurski Trophy | 2019 |
| Chuck Bednarik Award | 2019 |
| Ted Hendricks Award | 2019 |
| Unanimous All-American | 2019 |
| Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year | 2020 |
| Big Ten Most Valuable Player | 2019 |
| Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year | 2019 |
| First-team All-Big Ten | 2019 |
Chase Young Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Chase Young’s net worth is estimated to be in the millions, largely due to his substantial NFL contracts. His rookie deal with Washington was worth $34.56 million. He recently signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, which includes a $17 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed. His career earnings reflect his status as a top-tier defensive player in the league.
Legacy and Influence
Despite a career punctuated by injury, Chase Young’s impact on the field is undeniable. His explosive power and agility make him a constant threat to opposing offenses. Off the field, he has engaged in various brand partnerships and has shown an interest in business ventures. He has also used his platform for social good, collaborating with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative.
Interesting Facts about Chase Young
- During his time at Ohio State, he earned the nickname “The Predator” due to his on-field dominance and dreadlocks, which resembled the characters from the movie franchise.
- He has a passion for music and was involved in choir and played multiple instruments in high school. He was even featured on a song called “Fire & Ice” by the rapper Wale.
- Young is an avid dog lover and owns six dogs.
- He considered a career in law enforcement, like his father and uncles, and majored in criminology.
Controversies
In November 2019, while at Ohio State, Young was suspended for two games by the NCAA. The suspension was for receiving an unauthorized loan from a family friend, which he stated was to help his girlfriend attend the 2019 Rose Bowl. He subsequently repaid the loan in full.
Social Media Presence
Chase Young maintains a significant presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares insights into his professional and personal life. He has a substantial following across various platforms, though specific follower counts fluctuate.
Final Words about Chase Young
Chase Young’s journey in the NFL has been a mix of incredible highs and challenging lows. His rookie season showcased his potential to be one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. While injuries have presented significant hurdles, his resilience and talent remain evident. Now with the New Orleans Saints, he is poised to continue his career and build upon his already impressive legacy. His story is one of perseverance, immense talent, and the continuous drive to overcome adversity and perform at the highest level.