While Young is playing the best football of his NFL career, he’s doing so just months after personal tragedy. During the offseason, Young’s father, Kenny, died suddenly from a heart attack at age 62.

Kenny Young helped his son get into football, coaching him and his siblings from Pee-Wee until high school. Byron had a strong football relationship with Kenny, but his off-the-field connection with him was even stronger.

“Obviously it was an emotional thing, and it affected me. It still affects me to this day,” Young said. “There’s sadness at random times. In terms of play, I would say it just motivated me because I carry the last name that he gave me on my back every time I put my jersey on. It’s something that he always took pride in, and it’s something that I take pride in.

“He was the best father anybody could have ever asked for.”

When Young found out about his father’s passing, he leaned on fellow defensive tackle Gabe Hall, who is on Philadelphia’s practice squad. The two became tight friends last season, spending time together in scout team meetings and playing golf during the offseason.

“We got really close, so when it happened, he was the one person up here I felt comfortable going to and having that moment with whenever I did get the call that my father had passed,” Young said.

As Jordan Davis said, Young had his coming out party on Monday Night Football. It was his best game as a pro, but if this offseason taught him anything, it’s to never take something for granted.

“[His passing] makes every single day that I’m able to put the jersey on special,” Young said. — Written by Matt Ryan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avFyuvVQlJA