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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Darrel Young Thanks Redskins Fans After Seven Years Of Service

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Since he signed with the Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2009, then converted from linebacker to fullback to start the 2010 season before becoming a mainstay in the Redskins' backfield and special teams unit, Rob Kelley has represented the very best of what it means to be an NFL player.

As he approaches his impending free agency, which officially begins on March 9, Young posted a photo to Twitter to thank the Redskins organization and the fans, implying he won't be coming back to Washington.

Young went undrafted out of Villanova and, after getting cut his first year, was brought back by head coach Mike Shanahan, who thought the team would be better served converting him to a fullback.

"I know what they're going to go through," Young recalled of being undrafted.  "It's about to be the best/worst time of their life because you're in the locker room – all you can ask for is an opportunity – but when you're sixth on the depth chart, it's kind of mind-boggling. You've just got to stay focused. It's stressful but only God knows the opportunity that will be there for you. You've got to make the most of it when your number's called. It may not be until the last preseason game."

Young did just that.

Over the course of his career in Washington, Young played in 90 games and ran for 185 yards on 51 rushes, scoring seven touchdown and never losing a fumble. He also caught 45 passes out of the backfield for 432 yards and six touchdowns.

Of course, Young's legacy with the Redskins will also largely be defined for what he did within the community. Young's name was consistently on top of the team's community board for attending the most events each calendar year.

He was the Redskins' Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner in 2014 after attending 33 community events during the year in addition to serving as a Big Brother to a 12-year-old boy, Xavier, through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

The kinds of events varied – coat donations, football camps, Play 60 and military collaborations – and Young was a consistent source of happiness for the many elementary school students he visited and spoke with. 

Young also tweeted again, wishing he could have remained a Redskin for his entire career.

Now he'll hope to bring his infectious energy, experience and commitment to another football community. 

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