It was the beginning of a new era when the Washington Commanders selected defensive end Chase Young with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. It was also the beginning of the end of another era.
The 2020 season, in which Chase Young won the NFL defensive rookie of the year award, was also the final season in Washington for the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks, Ryan Kerrigan.
When Kerrigan walked off the field at FedEx Field after a January 2021 playoff loss to the Buccaneers, there was sadness for Kerrigan and his fans. Kerrigan felt it was his last time as a member of the Washington roster at FedEx Field.
Throughout that entire season, anytime Young had the chance to discuss Kerrigan, he heaped praise on the veteran. There was love and respect between the young pass rusher and the “old” veteran.
Kerrigan retired Friday after signing a one-day contract with the Commanders. When he showed up at Commanders Park Friday, several Washington employees, including his former defensive line teammates, greeted Kerrigan.
Kerrigan arrives to sign his one-day contract and retire with the Commanders pic.twitter.com/YmyTgM0KBH
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) July 29, 2022
On Saturday, Young spoke glowingly about Kerrigan.
“He meant a lot to me, man,” Young said. “Just as a guy growing up in the Washington area, seeing RK since middle school, playing Madden with him, to being on the team with him is crazy. I’m honored to be able to say I stepped on the field with him as his teammate. I’m kind of happy for him; he’s retiring, as RK is the type of guy who comes in every day, the first guy in the building, you see him in the weight room, rolling out and getting his body right. He’s put in that work, he can rest now.”
A special day in Ashburn as Ryan Kerrigan retires as a member of the Burgundy and Gold.
Our team insider @JPFinlayNBCS catches up with Kerrigan, wife Jessica and Chase Young about Ryan’s impact on the team, and what’s next for 91.@nbcwashington #HTTC #Commanders pic.twitter.com/w4sNSex5ne
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) July 31, 2022
In 10 seasons with the Commanders, Kerrigan recorded 95.5 sacks, forced 26 fumbles and scored three touchdowns.