He wasn’t there for a long time, but he was there for a good time.
The story of former Michigan football edge rusher Chase Winovich is one of perseverance. Recruited to the Wolverines as a linebacker, he played tight end, fullback, special teams gunner, before finally bulking up and making the switch to defensive end prior to the 2016 season.
And in that year, Winovich went from a virtual unknown to a fan favorite nearly overnight.
Known by his flowing locks under his helmet, Winovich became a starter in 2017, a role he’d have for two years. Outspoken with the media, he was the Wolverine who coined the term ‘revenge tour’ in 2018, which sparked both adulation by Michigan fans and disgust amongst their rivals.
Winovich was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft by the New England Patriots where he was initially productive but fell off as time wore on. He got new life briefly in Cleveland, where he let fans pick his number (and thus wore No. 69). In 2023, he started the season with the Houston Texans but was cut and found himself on the Miami Dolphins practice squad.
But earlier this week, Winovich announced he’s hanging up his cleats.
Former Michigan standout Chase Winovich announced on IG that he is retiring from the NFL. pic.twitter.com/EKMHNslyCk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2023
Given his overachiever status, it will not be surprising to see Winovich succeed at whatever he chooses to do next.