Changing NFL teams can be challenging for a player. It involves transitioning to a new city and meeting new teammates. Forced to make a move, defensive end Chase Young couldn't have asked for a better situation after the Washington Commanders traded him to the San Francisco 49ers.
Young, who already shared a connection with one of his new teammates, Nick Bosa, from their time at Ohio State, was warmly embraced by the entire 49ers squad.
"When I stepped in the locker room, it was just all love," Young said in a recent conversation with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. "Everybody embraced me. Everybody was excited that I'm here. So just very fortunate just to be around a good group of guys, and they let me be myself."
Young debuted in red and gold during a Week 10 clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 49ers snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory against the Jaguars and won the game that followed the next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. San Francisco is 2-0 with Young lining up on the opposite side of Bosa.
"Just having him out there is really good energy," Bosa said this week as the 49ers prepare for a Thanksgiving night showdown with the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. "He's excited to go out there and play. He wants to get those important reps in the game. And we're talking before plays, kind of talking about what we're going to do, and when he causes pressure [or] I cause pressure, it seems like the other guy ends up cleaning it up."
Reflecting on Bosa's influence, Young stated, "He was a real big brother to me when I came [to] Ohio State. From high school, when you go to a place like Ohio State, the bullets can be flying pretty fast for young guys who just step in. And I feel like Nick, he just embraced me with open arms and taught me everything he knew."
Bosa reportedly remained in Santa Clara during the bye week, even as teammates scattered for some much-needed time away. The defensive end wanted to be on hand if his friend needed help adjusting to his new surroundings.
"He's definitely a great teammate, somebody who's always looking just to help others," said Young, praising Bosa.
Young joined the 49ers with five sacks on the season, more than any of his new teammates. He has tallied 1.5 more over the last two games, and the defensive front has seen an uptick in productivity, which has had a positive ripple effect on the entire unit.
Now feeling at home in the 49ers locker room, Young has gained a deeper understanding of what sets this team apart.
"I would say the love for each other, your teammates," Young responded when asked about the team's unique qualities. "I think that's kind of where it starts because if you love the men next to you, you love playing by the guys next to you, then you're going to play for the guys next to you.
"And I think that's definitely one of the biggest things that I see just on the field and guys doing their best to open up a hole for you. That's a real good feeling."
You can listen to the entire 49ers Talk podcast, featuring the interview with Young, below.
