Every NFL player has carved out their own unique path to the league, but there aren't many as difficult as Byron Young's. The Los Angeles Rams ' Pro Bowl outside linebacker and the team's 2025 sack leader is on the verge of a massive payday in the next six months, while continuing to be a tremendous force on the line of scrimmage.
Overcoming various hurdles in his personal and professional life, including COVID, junior college, balancing work and studies – while being an unknown prospect – Young is built for the big moment, and his head coach couldn't agree more.
"I think what's been great for B.Y. is he's just gotten better every single year," said Rams head coach Sean McVay. "And when you know his backstory, what an incredible human being. You want to talk about a guy that's mentally and physically tough. I thought his best practice of camp was against the Cowboys.
"We've obviously been smart with what his workload looks like. He felt good. I thought he had some good, quick wins, being able to counter inside. I thought he was stout against the run. He did a really good job with everything that was asked of him the other day. He had another good day today. If you don't love 'B.Y.', something is wrong with you. He's a special human. His story's incredible. I love everything he's about."
It seems that when Young is going against a real opponent, his game takes a step up. Last season, Young evolved his personal training process, incorporating Pilates into his weekly regimen. His constant approach to refining his development has put him in a class of his own, and as he enters Year 4, he's surrounded by the best defense he's ever played with.
That's an exciting thought for a player who already has 27.5 career sacks.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay: 'Something is wrong with you' if you don't like Byron Young
