Chase Young
NFL Defensive End and 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year · Football - NFL
Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins), San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints
Era
Modern Era - circa 2020-2023
Item Type
Mini Helmet or Full-Size Football (White Panel)
Condition
Fair to Poor. The autograph exhibits significant fading (sun damage or ink absorption) and the item shows surface spotting (foxing or dirt). Grade: 3/10.
Rarity
Common. Young has signed a significant amount of memorabilia through rookie deals and public appearances.
Overall Assessment
A genuine but poorly preserved example of a modern NFL star's autograph. Ideal for a personal fan collection rather than a high-end investment portfolio.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; 85% confidence. The shorthand 'CY' style and the inclusion of '#99' or '#57' is consistent with his rush signing habits.
Signature Style
Stylized shorthand 'CY' with jersey number inscription. It is a typical modern athlete's 'rush' signature characterized by loops rather than full-letter legibility.
Signature Characteristics
Initial-based signature. High-speed flow, heavy pressure at the start of letters, and a sharp, distinctive tail on the Y character.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip marker (Sharpie-style) on a white synthetic or leather surface. Note significant fading and 'bleeding' into the material grain.
Item Description
White-panel autograph football or the top of a mini-helmet. Features a 'MADE IN CHINA' stamp which is common on mass-produced retail souvenirs.
Estimated Value
$40 - $70 USD. Fading and the lack of a major authentication sticker (e.g., PSA/DNA) significantly cap the value.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard 2020-2021 examples signed during his tenure in Washington. The inclusion of the '#' symbol is classic for his era.
Authentication Tips
Look for the fluid, continuous motion of the 'C' into the 'Y'. Young's 'Y' usually has a sharp vertical descent. Check for ink depth; forgeries often look 'drawn' rather than 'flowed'.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA. Given the value, an 'Authentication Only' service is most cost-effective.
Red Flags
Significant fading makes it harder to analyze pen starts and stops. The 'MADE IN CHINA' stamp near the signature is distracting and indicates a lower-tier souvenir item.
Provenance Notes
Establish if this was signed at a training camp or a paid signing. Photos of the item in a clearer state would help verify age.
Historical Context
Signed during his rise as a top-2 draft pick and his dominant Rookie of the Year campaign in Washington.
Market Trends
Values for Young have softened since his rookie season due to injuries and team trades, making him a 'buy' for fans but a 'hold' for investors.
Investment Potential
Moderate to Low. Value is tied to his future performance and ability to return to Pro Bowl form.
Similar Autographs
Terry McLaurin, Nick Bosa, Joey Bosa, Justin Fields.
Display & Preservation
Keep away from direct sunlight immediately to prevent further UV fading. Place in a UV-protected glass display cube.
Interesting Facts
Chase Young was one of the most hyped defensive prospects of the 2020s. His signature has become increasingly simplified over time from a fuller name to this 'CY' loop.