Latest news with #ChaseYoung
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
Exclusive: Chase Young talks Saints QB battle, coaching changes, New Balance partnership
'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.
USA Today
31-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
99 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 99
99 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 99 Everyone from Chase Young to Norman Hand and Tony Elliott Our countdown to the New Orleans Saints' season opener is kicking off. There are 99 days until their Sept. 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, so we're counting down the days by reflecting on every player to wear that jersey number in Saints history. No. 99 belongs to defensive end Chase Young, the subject of our Player of the Day feature. Young won it from defensive tackle Khalen Saunders after signing with the team last summer. Some fan favorites tackles who have used it include Shy Tuttle, Hollis Thomas, Norman Hand, and the great Tony Elliott, who was the first to put it on. With 99 days to go until kickoff, here's a look back at each player to use No. 99 with the Saints (via Pro Football Reference): Chase Young (2024-Present) Khalen Saunders (2023) Shy Tuttle (2019-2022) Adam Bighill (2017) Paul Kruger (2016) Aubrayo Franklin (2011) Jimmy Wilkerson (2010) Hollis Thomas (2006-2008) Shaun Smith (2004) Kenderick Allen (2003) Norman Hand (2000-2002) Darren Mickell (1999) Pio Sagapolutele (1997) Willie Broughton (1995-1996) Joel Smeenge (1990-1994) Tony Elliott (1982-1988) We couldn't find a photo for Elliott in the USA TODAY Sports archives as well as those at Reuters and Getty Images. Elliott was a key piece in the "Dome Patrol" defense opening up plays for Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, Pat Swilling and Vaughan Johnson and should be recognized for his efforts.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Saints Countdown To Kickoff With History Of Number 99
Saints Countdown To Kickoff With History Of Number 99 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New Orleans Saints are 100 days before their 2025 regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. On September 7, the Saints kick off their 59th season. They'll do it with a new head coach in Kellen Moore. Advertisement Defensive end/edge rusher Chase Young currently wears the number 99 for the Saints as he enters his second year with the team. Here's a look at the other significant players that have worn 99 during the regular season throughout New Orleans Saints history. Saints History of 99 Nov 25, 2007, Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster (26) is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Hollis Thomas (99) and defensive end Charles Grant (94). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images • Tony Elliott, DT (1982-88) • Joel Smeenge, DE (1990-94) • Willie Broughton, DT (1995-96) • Pio Sagapolutele, DT (1997) • Darren Mickell, DE (1999) • Norman Hand, DT (2000-02) • Kenderick Allen, DT (2003) • Shaun Smith, DT (2004) • Hollis Thomas, DT (2006-08) • Jimmy Wilkerson, DE (2010) • Aubrayo Franklin, DT (2011) • Paul Kruger, DE (2016) Advertisement • Adam Bighill, LB (2017) • Shy Tuttle, DT (2019-22) • Khalen Saunders, DT (2023) • Chase Young, DE (2024-present) Nov 28, 2019; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws an interception to New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99). Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-Imagn Images Outside of Young, Hand is perhaps the most famous player to wear 99 in New Orleans history. In three seasons with the team on part of a spectacular defensive front, Hand had 9 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in addition to being a terrific defender against the run. Elliott had an underrated career with the Saints as the team built one of the league's best defenses through the 1980s. The team's longest-tenured player to wear 99, Elliott had 13 sacks in his seven years. Thomas also had an overlooked but effective three years in New Orleans. During that time, he had 6.5 sacks and 16 stops for loss while clogging the middle against the run. Former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Norman Hand (99). Credit: Tuttle became a cult hero with his interception and subsequent stiff-arm of Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan as a rookie in 2019. He was also a standout run defender that had 4 sacks and 9 tackles for loss as a Saint. Advertisement Chase Young becomes just the seventh player in franchise history to wear the number 99 for more than one year of the 16 players that donned the jersey. In 2024, Young led the Saints with 21 QB hits and 34 pressures. He had 5.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss with a forced fumble while appearing in all 17 games for first time in his five-year NFL career. Related: Undrafted Saints Lineman Easton Kilty Could Power His Way To A Roster Spot Related: Pro Football Focus Snubs Saints In Under-25 Rankings Related: Saints Quarterback Ranking According To Pro Football Focus Related: Most Underrated Saints Player Highlighted By PFF Related: Trevor Penning May Have A New Home On Saints Offensive Line This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bucs Rival Free Agent Signing Labeled One of NFL's Worst
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, along with 31 other NFL franchises, are anxiously awaiting the NFL Draft later this month. As the teams evaluate talent for the selection show that begins April 24, clubs have already re-tooled their rosters through free agency. Advertisement While the Bucs have made moves to improve their defense through free agency, not all teams have been so lucky. Bleacher Report tagged the Bucs NFC South rival New Orleans Saints with one of the worst free agency signings this offseason, with edge rusher Chase Young. Contract Terms: Three years, $51 million, $33 million guaranteed "The New Orleans Saints entered free agency this year with the worst salary cap situation in the NFL. That makes the deal the team handed to edge-rusher Chase Young all the more baffling. Granted, there was a time when this deal might have appeared a bargain for Young. The second overall pick in the 2020 draft logged 7.5 sacks and captured Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in Washington. But the following season, Young tore his ACL and patellar tendon. He barely played the following year and was traded to the 49ers in 2023. Advertisement "Young did at least manage 7.5 sacks that season, but he was on the move again in 2024, landing in New Orleans. In his first year with the Saints, Young amassed 31 total tackles and 5.5 sacks." Young still maintains he can be the perennial Pro Bowler that everyone thought he would be coming out of Ohio State. "I feel like in football it's always betting on yourself, every year it's betting on yourself," Young said. "Through injuries and ups and downs, you're always betting on yourself. I feel like every year that you go to those games, and you strap your helmet up, every year it's betting on yourself. You've just got to be built for it. You've got to be strong mentally." Related: Bucs GM Reveals Early Thoughts Behind 2025 Draft Related: Bucs Move On Antoine Winfield Jr. Partner In NFL Draft Prediction
USA Today
07-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Buckeyes-turned-Saints Chris Olave, Chase Young ranked among best duos in recent drafts
Buckeyes-turned-Saints Chris Olave, Chase Young ranked among best duos in recent drafts The New Orleans Saints love their Ohio State players, and two former Buckeyes find themselves on Bleacher Report's Moe Moton's list of the best teammates in the NFL draft in the last 10 years. Moton crafted this list due to Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter being possible top-3 selections. They found themselves second on the list. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and defensive end Chase Young also made the list. The Saints selected Olave in the 2022 NFL draft, but Garrett Wilson was the first Ohio State receiver off the board one pick prior. There was some debate on which receiver was better, with Wilson having the better closing season. Being selected back-to-back shows how much of a toss up the debate was. The duo ranked fifth on Moton's list Young, originally drafted by the Washington Commanders, and teammate Jeffery Okudah were drafted in the first three picks in 2019. This tandem hasn't panned out nearly as expected, but they were highly productive as Buckeyes. Young was fourth in the Heisman race and Okudah was a lockdown cornerback. As far as collegiate teammates, it's hard to get much better than that. They found themselves second on the list, highlighting the focus on the players as prospects opposed to professional production.
