Chase Winovich

Chase Winovich's Biography

Born on April 19, 1995, Chase Camden Winovich is a former professional football player notably known for playing primarily as a defensive end for multiple teams across five seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drawn to the field early on and honed his skills at the collegiate level, playing for the Michigan Wolverines football team.

Winovich was a commendable player throughout his college career, earning a two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection and being recognized for All-American honors in 2018. His impressive athletic performance caught the eye of the New England Patriots, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. He spent his first three seasons with the Patriots but also had stints with the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, and Miami Dolphins.

Winovich demonstrated his versatility at Thomas Jefferson High School in Pennsylvania, where he played linebacker and quarterback. Despite receiving offers from various colleges such as Arizona, Arkansas, and his lifetime-favorite Ohio State, Winovich committed to Michigan.

Winovich’s journey to NFL notoriety was not without its ups and downs. Despite struggling with position changes during his freshman and sophomore years at Michigan, he found his calling as a defensive end in 2016. Along with this switch, he also changed his jersey number from 59 to 44.

Winovich lived up to the expectations that came with his position, appearing in 13 games and starting 2 for the 2016 Wolverines. During the spring and summer of 2017, he put in the hard yards, taking ballet lessons to improve his balance and control and studying Ju-jitsu to better his agility. These efforts paid off when he recorded 4 tackles for a loss, earning him the title of Co-Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Week in that year.

In 2018, Winovich further established his reputation as a formidable defensive player, recording 62 tackles, which put him at the top among all defensive linemen in the Wolverines. This performance earned him the spot in the 2018 All-Big Ten defensive first-team. He also earned recognition from the WCFF, American Football Coaches Association, and College Football News.

Upon entering the NFL draft in 2019, Winovich was chosen by the New England Patriots. He then embarked on a successful journey in the NFL, recording multiple sacks, interceptions, and even returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.

However, it was not all smooth sailing for Winovich. In 2021, he was placed on injured reserve due to injuries, hampering his growth as a player. Despite these setbacks, he was able to make a comeback to the active roaster later the same year.

After his stint with the Patriots, Winovich had brief teams switches with the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans before finally signing with Miami Dolphins’ practice squad in 2023. However, after making a few appearances, he was released on October 17, and a week later, the star player announced his retirement.

Off the field, Winovich is notable for his charity work with The ChadTough Foundation, raising awareness and funds for research on diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), which is an inoperable malignant tumor of the brainstem. He played a leading role in several of The ChadTough Foundation’s charity events, such as the 2018 Outback Bowl, where he and his fellow teammates and coaches dyed their hair orange to raise over $200,000 for the foundation.

In conclusion, Chase Camden Winovich’s journey is one of perseverance, commitment, and outstanding athletic prowess. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks in his career, his love for the game and unwavering dedication to his craft set him apart as one of the most notable defensive ends in the history of American football.