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The 2021 NFL season was disappointing for Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young. After winning NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2020, Young started nine games in 2021, recording just 1.5 sacks before tearing his ACL in a Week 10 win over the Buccaneers.
In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Young talked about his recovery.
“It’s going great,” Young told CBS Sports when asked about his rehab. “I already squatted 225 (pounds); I’m already one-leg squatting. It’s going great. You know, the process was definitely humbling, but I’m excited to go through it just to see what type of person I’m going to be on the other side.”
Young discussed the mental aspect of removing from a devastating knee injury, saying he had spoken to former Washington linebacker Thomas Davis — a Ron Rivera favorite. Thomas famously suffered three torn ACLs and developed into a first-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler over a remarkable 16-year NFL career.
“I’m a lot stronger than I thought,” said Young. “I’ve never had an injury like this before, and I know what it’s going to take to get back. I’ve talked to Thomas Davis and other people who have torn their ACLs. Some people not just once, but multiple times.
As you might expect, Washington’s recent rebranding was a hot topic.
Young was one of three Washington players the team used in the buildup to unveil the new team name. Young, wide receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen modeled the new Commanders’ uniforms. Each player knew the new name ahead of time.
While initially skeptical of the new name, Young has come around, especially after seeing the uniforms.
“It grew on me just seeing the jerseys and everything that we are going to stand for with the name, knowing we’re from D.C.,” Young said. “It definitely grew on me, so I’m ready to go out there and be a Commander, and we’re going to be commanding — know that!”
Young is especially fond of the black alternate jerseys, which Allen modeled.
“I always liked our jerseys, always loved our colors even since I was a young kid,” Young said. “But the alternate black jerseys, that’s probably my favorite. I loved the white jersey I had on and that Burgundy jersey I love. On the regular away game, that white jersey is nice; it’s crisp, man.”
While many aren’t fans of the name, the logo and uniforms were important. And it appears Washington’s new uniforms were a hit with Young and his teammates.
As for his recovery, Young has refused to give a timeline, which is smart. What Washington doesn’t need is another “All in for Week 1.” Young is far too important to the franchise to rush his recovery from a knee injury that occurred in November.