Ray Lewis.
Ed Reed.
Sean Taylor.
Miami Hurricane defensive legends who have never worn the Turnover Chain.
Malek Young the first ever to drip in “swagu” wearing Miami’s famed Turnover Chain after recording an interception in the Hurricanes’ season opener against Bethune-Cookman, playing career has ended earlier than expected.
The University of Miami confirmed in a written release that Young sustained a neck injury against Wisconsin during the Capital One Orange Bowl game and “will undergo career-ending surgery.”
“After discussion with my family and the UM medical staff, we have determined that my football career should come to an end,” Young stated. “I look forward to getting healthy, working toward my degree and continuing to support my teammates, as I know they will continue to support me.”
The Fort Lauderdale native wore the chain twice this season, as he had two interceptions this past season. Young out of Coconut Creek high played in 12 games as a true freshman and started the last three. In his final season, he went on to play in all of the Hurricanes 13 games, starting 10. He had 43 tackles; three tackles for loss, and a team-high eight pass breakups.
“Malek is a terrific young man, one who I’m confident will go on to accomplish great things,” coach Mark Richt stated. “He will remain on scholarship, and we will support him every step of the way.”
The secondary will have new faces in the group, with three returning corners. Recently Al Blades Jr., Gilbert Frierson, and D.J. Ivey were signed. Safety Jaquan Johnson dedicated the upcoming season to his injured teammate. Hurricanes will recover however if Young returned the secondary would be more lethal to opposing quarterbacks.
“God has the best plan, even when we don’t understand His ways or timing,” defensive coordinator Manny Diaz wrote on Twitter.
Young was the first to wear the turnover chain, but he arguably has the coolest image seen nationwide when it debuted. Sitting down on the Hurricanes sideline after an interception, just another day in the office, oh by the way wearing 36 inches long and five-and-a-half pounds of 10K gold “Cuban Link drip” while taking a glimpse at the scoreboard at Hard Rock Stadium.
A Legend amongst past, present and future football Hurricanes. Fear not when, fear not why, fear not much while we’re alive Life is for a living, not living uptight, ’till you’re somewhere up in the sky. Name him forever Young.
