Not so long ago, Chase Young was considered one of the biggest rising stars in the National Football League.
The Washington Commanders star was named 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after an impressive campaign as the second-overall pick, and that success has also translated off the field.
According to a report by Forbes, Young will now officially be the first NFL player to become a brand ambassador for New Balance.
OFFICIAL: NFL Pro Bowler Chase Young has signed with New Balance — becoming the brand’s 1st American Football athlete.
Young will also become the 1st ambassador for Rich Paul’s new Klutch Athletics by New Balance brand, and work with New Balance to create its 1st NFL cleat. pic.twitter.com/mUf1KiAgHs
—Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 12, 2023
This comes in the wake of Rich Paul’s initiative, Klutch Athletics by New Balance, and it led to some big reactions on social media.
Is New Balance an approved brand by the league? eg will the New Balance logo be able to be shown on field gear? or will it have to be blended in like Under Armour?
— Cole (@cttrace) April 12, 2023
DC and New Balance have had an unofficial relationship for a while now. fitting.
— The District (@distrxt) April 12, 2023
New Balance footwear is a staple in DMV culture. Hats off to both parties for making this happen.
— Coach Rick (@RickHewlettJr) April 12, 2023
that’s hard
— wardy 💂🏽♂️ (@tyrellward_) April 12, 2023
The problem is that 15 million dollar fee for allowing a brand to be shown in the NFL game or practice I do wonder what the NBA charges different brands they are more forward thinking than the NFL
—Dorien Wharton (@DorienWharton) April 12, 2023
Now, the Ohio State product will work closely with the company’s design team to develop their first American football cleat model, which should hit the markets at some point in 2024.
Young is one of the most prominent figures in Klutch Athletics, the agency that also represents NBA superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Also, this will be a crucial season for Young as a player.
His rookie deal will expire at the end of the season, with his team holding an option for the next campaign.
Young’s NFL career got off to a solid start, logging four forced fumbles, 10 tackles, one touchdown, and 7.5 sacks in his first season alone, even making it to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
But an injury in the middle of his second season in the league kept him on the shelf until the final three games of last season, so he’ll have to prove that he can be as healthy and impactful in 2023 to get another lucrative deal.
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