Chase Young doesn’t regret shooting commercials during voluntary OTA’s

Second-year defensive lineman Chase Young was a hot commodity in the offseason. At one point, Young explained to reporters that he had “a lot going on,” which included commercial shoots with Under Armour, eBay, and an episode of “Family Feud.” In the moment of his absence, there were some concerns about his decision not to attend Washington’s offseason team activities. However, some people didn’t think that his decision not to participate in voluntary activities was a big deal.

Ian Thomas, Young’s manager, spoke earlier in the summer to provide insight on the busy off-season schedule. “He’s working hard. He’s very business-oriented for such a young guy,” Thomas said in an interview. “He’s putting his all into every project, making sure everything is up to par and that it’s right. He understands he’s the boss of [his brand] … and he hasn’t slowed down with the workouts. He’s preparing his body, his mind, his spirit to help continue to improve the franchise.”

On Thursday, Young spoke with reporters, and the question of his absences came up. “I was making money, baby,” Young said. “Gotta make the money. None of y’all would’ve ducked the money. At the end of the day, it’s a job. Just like y’all do your job, I do my job.” 

Young did not appear to have any regrets about his offseason activities and continued even further to address haters. “I don’t really hear people, at the end of the day, everybody who talks to you, they’re just haters. My dad, he told me, ‘If people talk about you, it’s only because you’re doing better than them.'”

There may be an uproar over Young’s comments, given that the team is 2-6, the defense is playing poorly, and Ron Rivera does not believe Young is playing as disciplined as he should be. However, I don’t think that there should be anything to get upset over. The truth is the truth, and in this instance, this truth is just hard to accept. 

Why should Young regret pursuing financial opportunities because he gets paid playing football? But more importantly, if you are one who did not like Young’s response to the question, what lie would you have wanted him to tell the media in place of him not wanting to make money?

The former number two overall pick is in the spotlight, rightfully so due to expectations and his draft placement. Young’s play must improve from an individual standpoint and find a way to get home to the quarterback. With nine games left, his definition of success is all about winning. 

“To be honest, I don’t want to be 2-6. So I think a successful second half is not being 2-6. Win. We’ve gotta win.”

Fortunately for Chase, they won’t go 2-6 the rest of the way, but you get the point.