Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chase Young

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 21, 2025

How Chase Young built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Chase Young is a professional football defensive end currently playing for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. He gained prominence during his college career at Ohio State, where he set a single-season sack record with 16.5 sacks in 2019. His outstanding performance earned him unanimous All-American honors and a Heisman Trophy finalist nomination.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 2016: Commitment to Ohio State

In July 2016, Chase Young committed to Ohio State to play for the Buckeyes, choosing them over other universities.

July 2016: Invitation to The Opening

In July 2016, Chase Young was invited to The Opening, a college football recruiting camp sponsored by Nike, where he was named MVP at his position.

2017: Freshman Year at Ohio State

In 2017, Chase Young recorded 3.5 sacks, 18 tackles, and a forced fumble as a freshman at Ohio State.

2017: Jonathan Allen drafted by Washington

In 2017, Jonathan Allen was drafted by Washington

2018: Sophomore Season at Ohio State

During his sophomore season in 2018, Chase Young recorded 10.5 sacks and was named second-team All-Big Ten.

2018: Daron Payne drafted by Washington

In 2018, Daron Payne was drafted by Washington

2019: Awards and Honors in 2019

In 2019, Chase Young was unanimously named to the College Football All-America Team and won several awards including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Ted Hendricks Award, Chicago Tribune Silver Football, Nagurski–Woodson Defensive Player of the Year, and Smith–Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year.

2019: Montez Sweat drafted by Washington

In 2019, Montez Sweat was drafted by Washington

July 23, 2020: Signing Rookie Contract

On July 23, 2020, Chase Young signed his four-year rookie contract, worth US$34.56 million, with Washington Commanders.

December 2020: NFC's Defensive Player of the Month

In December 2020, Chase Young was named a team captain and voted the NFC's Defensive Player of the Month.

2020: Declares for the 2020 NFL draft

In 2020, Chase Young declared for the NFL draft, where he was considered to be the best overall prospect.

2020: 2020 Resolution JC-2A

The 49ers used a 2020 Resolution JC-2A third-round pick (100th overall; which Washington later used to select Luke McCaffrey) in the 2024 NFL draft.

2021: Featured on Wale's album

In 2021, Chase Young performed guest vocals on "Fire & Ice", a track from the American rapper Wale's album Folarin II.

2021: Awards and Nominations in 2021

In 2021, Chase Young was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and was nominated for the Best Breakthrough Athlete award at the ESPYs. He was also ranked 61st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 list.