Washington defensive end Chase Young and undrafted rookie running back Jaret Patterson go way back.
The reigning NFL defensive rookie of the year and Patterson have known one another since middle school and were teammates for one season in high school before Young moved on to DeMatha.
“Since middle school, we’ve been tight. That bond, we went to Pallotti together, experiencing the grind. It kind of just clicked. Even when he went to DeMatha, we were still tight,” Patterson said after signing with Washington, per Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington.
Patterson credited Young with putting a good word in for him with Washington when he was signed as an undrafted free agent.
In his NFL debut last week against New England, Patterson led Washington in both receiving and rushing.
So, what would he do for an encore in his first game at FedEx Field against the Cincinnati Bengals?
Patterson would carry the football 16 times for 71 yards with a touchdown. He also caught three passes for 25 yards. And, Patterson even returned one kick for 37 yards.
His longtime friend, Young, was loving it.
.@youngchase907 is all of us watching @__JP26 play 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/AKmyppvwgA
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 21, 2021
Patterson went from battling for a roster spot to media and fans now debating if he needs to play next week.
Washington found a gem in Patterson.
