Exclusive: Chase Young talks Saints QB battle, coaching changes, New Balance partnership

USA Today

2 days ago

'Partnering with New Balance, that's legendary. I'm blessed. They made me like the neighborhood hero'
Although school is officially out for the summer and every kid has already begun to enjoy their time off with friends and family, the back-to-school mindset is just around the corner, and New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young is helping everyone Get Set for the season ahead both on and off the field.
Young, a New Balance-sponsored athlete and partner of Champs Sports, will be front and center promoting the retailer's Get Set campaign, the latest installment of its Sport For Life brand platform launching in anticipation of the upcoming school year.
The Get Set campaign emphasizes three key themes: anticipation, participation, and transformation. But it's not just about heading back to class -- it's a message that extends into every part of life. Whether you're a grade school student, college athlete, or a supportive parent on the sidelines, Champs Sports has everyone covered with head-to-toe essentials tailored for the season ahead.
In a recent interview, I spoke with Chase Young about his partnership with Champs Sports and New Balance, while also discussing the Saints' quarterback competition, his outlook for the upcoming season, and the advice he has for young athletes preparing for a new school and sports year.
To start, Young spoke at length about the Get Set campaign, what getting ready for school was like growing up, and what the phrase Sport For Life means to him:
"The Get Set campaign is really about getting kids excited to head back to school and helping them feel confident and fly; that's ultimately why I wanted to partner with Champs Sports. When I was young, there were good feelings and bad feelings. You know, being a kid, you don't always want to go to school -- but the good feelings came from wanting to see your friends that you hadn't seen in a while. I want to be the guy kids can look up to -- someone who helps them feel good about going to school.
'Sport For Life means a lot to me. Everything I do revolves around football, so it's about staying ready and keeping my body in top shape for the season.'
Growing up in the DMV, like Young, I asked Young what his partnership with New Balance means to him -- especially coming from a place where the brand holds such strong cultural relevance. It brought back memories of my time playing at Delaware State University, where New Balance sneakers were a staple among my teammates. Young spoke from an emotional standpoint about what the brand represents to him and how New Balance helped connect him to his roots.
"I can't even lie to you, being a kid from the DMV to be partnering with New Balance, that's legendary. I'm blessed," Young reflected. "They made me like the neighborhood hero."
I also asked Young what he typically steps out in when it comes to his sneaker rotation -- whether it's a workout day or just part of his everyday routine.
"I've been wearing the 1000 and the 1300 right now. Those are more lifestyle. For workouts, I usually go with the 1906 mainly," Young said, adding that it's been great to see the 1906 model come back in style, as a classic that's made a strong return as one of New Balance's older silhouettes. "The 1906, they really brought them back out. I didn't see those that much when I was younger."
As our conversation continued, we were able to shift gears and talk a little bit about the football side of things -- more specifically his thoughts on transitioning into a new 3-4 defensive scheme under Brandon Staley, and how it might showcase his skillset as a pure pass rusher.
"This new scheme is similar to what I played in during my rookie year, lining up in a true 9-technique, out on the edge and just penetrating. That's where I feel like I'm at my best," Young admitted. He was recognized as the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year back in 2020 after recording 7.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, 4 forced fumbles (3 recoveries), 4 passes defensed, and 10 tackles for loss, with 44 total tackles (32 solo).
It's a different role with different expectations than what we saw from Young playing in a 4i last year under Dennis Allen. He continued: "Last year was my first time playing in a 4i, which was a bit different for me. You've got to play a little heavier in there, going up against both tackles and guards. There's a lot more side-stepping involved when it comes to getting off the ball. I think I held my own pretty well though, especially with it being my first time in that role."
Although he'll technically be playing an outside linebacker role in the new scheme, Young is still listed as a defensive end, and he shared some early impressions of new defensive line coach Bo Davis (formerly of LSU) and the immediate impact he's had on the unit.
"Bo Davis is a heck of a coach. He's someone who's going to push us and hold us accountable -- and that's all I want. I want to be coached hard, because that's the only way you're going to get better. He's definitely been getting us right," Young shared. He agrees that Davis could be good for young guys like third-year pro Isaiah Foskey. "Fosk has been doing great, man. He's working hard and doing everything the coaches are asking of him. He's another guy who's comfortable playing on the edge, so I think he'll thrive in this scheme."
While talking Saints football with Young, it felt only right to bring up the ongoing quarterback competition between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough -- a battle that's been unfolding since late spring. Chase offered his thoughts on both players and how the competition has been shaping up, but like a lot of veteran players this summer, he isn't taking sides: "Both of those guys are great quarterbacks, man. It's going to be an exciting battle in camp for that QB1 spot. I'm looking forward to seeing them go toe-to-toe,"
With just a few questions left, I asked Chase about any team or personal goals he's set for the upcoming season. He led with the answer every fan in New Orleans wants to hear.
"Obviously, the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl," Young replied. "Personally, my only goal is to keep playing the best football I can so I can help my team."
To wrap things up, I circled back to the Get Set campaign and asked Chase what advice he'd give to student-athletes as they gear up for the upcoming sports season and school year:
"I'd tell the kids to get their rest so they're in optimal shape when school starts — and so their minds are fresh. Just make sure they're eating the right foods too, because I feel like sleep and nutrition are the best things we can do for ourselves," Young finished.
As the summer winds down and a new season approaches, Young's message is a timely reminder for students and athletes alike to take pride in preparation -- on the field, in the classroom, and in life. Through the Get Set campaign, he's not only promoting style and performance, but also encouraging young people to embrace the habits that lead to success.
The campaign officially drops at 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 8, just in time to help everyone get set for the season ahead.