Chase Young Becomes First NFL Player To Sign With New Balance

Chase Young admits he was a bit floored and a bit honored when first approached about his new venture.

The Washington Commanders defensive lineman and 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has become the first NFL player to become a brand ambassador for New Balance as part of Klutch Athletics by New Balance, a new sportswear brand from Rich Paul.

Young’s biggest duty with New Balance is working with the company’s design team to develop its first-ever American football cleat. The product is expected to be launched next year.

“It’s really cool,” Young said. “When you’re growing up, you see athletes have their own style of shoes and you never think someday you might have one, too. I’ve really enjoyed working with New Balance on this. It’s been a great experience.”

This marks New Balance’s entry into the American Football market. Young is represented by Klutch Athletics.

“It just seemed natural for us to do this,” Young said.

On the football side of things, Young is eager to get back to work when the Commanders begin organized team activities May 23. Injuries have slowed the 23-year-old the past two seasons following his standout rookie campaign.

“I feel really heathy and I’m ready to go,” Young said. “I’m looking forward to getting back to work and having a good year.”

The Commanders chose Young second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft from Ohio State and he signed a four-year, $34.56-million contract. He made an immediate impact by registering 1.5 sacks and forcing a fumble in an upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1.

Young wound up with 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He was one of just two rookies selected to the Pro Bowl and made such an impression off the field that he was named a team captain late in the season.

Young then tore the patellar tendon in his right knee during Week 10 of the 2021 season. The injury was so severe that he was unable to return to action until the final three games of last season.

Being limited to 12 games over two seasons would be enough to frustrate any young player. However, Young tried to make the best of the situation and believes he has returned as a better player.

“I tried to the use the downtime to learn and become a better player,” he said. “I think I’ve become a better player by watching the game from the sidelines. I have a better understanding of some of the things I need to do now that I’m back on the field.”

This will also be a pivotal season for Young contractually as his rookie deal expires at the end of the season. The Commanders hold an option for 2024.

Young will be representing New Balance at the NFL Draft, which will be held from April 27-29 in Kansas City, Mo.

On the first day of draft, Young and Paul will speak to members of the Boys and Girls Club of Kansas City at the Thorneberry Club and donate to Good Sports for field equipment. Klutch by New Balance will also have a pop-up retail store at the event as well as on April 28 in the Power & Light District.

“One of the great things about this is we get to give back to the community,” Young said. “It’s something I really enjoy doing and am glad to be in a situation where I can help others. That’s one of the best things about being a professional athlete, it gives you that platform.”