Los Angeles Rams captain Kobie Turner made headlines last month when he returned to the University of Richmond to serve as the commencement speaker for the class of 2026.
Now, another key player on the Rams defense has gone back to college. Byron Young graduated from the University of Tennessee and recently participated in the school’s commencement ceremony.
Young, who majored in communications studies, said it was important for him to graduate from college, via Bill Martin of UT Sports:
“Graduating from college and being the first in my family to do that, coming from where I came from, means a lot,” Young said. “It’s one of my biggest accomplishments, honestly probably No. 1 because for years you felt like you couldn’t do it or doubted myself. I had to believe in myself and take advantage of this opportunity. It truly means everything.”
Young has been with the Rams since he was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He did not get to finish his degree at the time, but was able to continue his education through online classes while with the Rams.
Young said it was important for him to finish what he started at the University of Tennessee:
“I had to keep my word and follow through,” Young said. “Getting to the NFL was my dream, and a lot of players don’t come back and finish, but I am one of those guys where it was important to me. It was mandatory. I am grateful for the opportunity.”
It’s cool that Young was able to fulfill a longtime goal of his while simultaneously getting to live out his dream as an NFL player. He has established himself as an important member of the Rams defense and will continue to be a key piece as the team looks to return to the Super Bowl next season.
Jared Verse not surprised by Byron Young’s breakout season
Young is coming off a breakout season with the Rams that saw him record 82 total tackles while leading the team with 12 sacks to go along with 12 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
While a lot of people were surprised by the season that Young had, one person who wasn’t is fellow outside linebacker Jared Verse.
“I don’t know why people (are) surprised BY’s dominating,” Verse said. “You give him the chance to just go win, which we’ve been giving him that chance, that’s exactly what’s gonna happen.”
Verse and Young have grown close over the last two seasons and give the Rams one of the best young pass rushing duos in the league. Verse is coming off a quality season of his own in which he recorded 58 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles, being named to his second Pro Bowl in two seasons with L.A.