In a move that caught many in the NFL off guard, Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young has signed an endorsement deal with New Balance, becoming the first NFL player to join the company's roster of sponsored athletes. Normally athletes will opt for more experienced brands like Nike, but Chase decided that his ideals aligned more with New Balance. The NFL star will also help New Balance design their latest Football Cleat.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 12, by New Balance through a press release, which also included a video featuring Young talking about his journey to the NFL and his excitement for this new partnership. "I am thrilled to be joining the New Balance family," Young said in the press release. "Their commitment to excellence and innovation in both athletics and lifestyle aligns with my own values, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish together."
The details of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is expected to be a multi-year agreement worth millions of dollars. Young, who was drafted second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, had a standout rookie season, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and helping lead Washington to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
New Balance has been known to take a different approach to athlete endorsements, often signing players who may not be the biggest names in their respective sports but who embody the company's values and commitment to excellence. Young, with his relentless work ethic and dedication to the game, fits that mold perfectly. "We are excited to welcome Chase Young to the New Balance family," said Chris Davis, Vice President of Global Marketing at New Balance. "Chase is an incredible athlete and person, and we are proud to support him on his journey both on and off the field."
This partnership could also have an impact beyond just the NFL, as it shows that New Balance is willing to invest in football and expand its reach in the sport. It will be interesting to see if other NFL players follow suit and sign with New Balance in the future. For now, though, all eyes will be on Chase Young as he continues to dominate on the football field while representing one of the most respected brands in the industry.
New Balance has worked with European soccer players in the past and now looks to expand its reach to American football. There's no telling where New Balance may venture next, but we'll make sure to keep you updated as information arises. For more on the future of lifestyle wear, and to stay up to date with the latest sneaker news and releases, connect with us on Instagram and Twitter.