Following the extensions of Derek Stingley Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase, the 2019 LSU Tigers are soaring!

The 2019 LSU Tigers football team is widely regarded as one of the most dominant teams in recent college football history. With a potent offense led by Joe Burrow and a defense that featured stars like Derek Stingley Jr., LSU captured the college football national championship in a season that seemed almost too perfect to be real. But what truly sets this team apart is the lasting legacy of its players who continue to make waves in the professional ranks—two of whom, Derek Stingley Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase, have recently signed contract extensions in the NFL.

For LSU fans, this renewed focus on the future of some of the key players from that unforgettable 2019 squad offers a sense of nostalgia and pride. These players, now firmly established in the NFL, are continuing to shine at the highest level of professional football, bringing even more attention to the success of LSU’s legendary 2019 campaign. As both Stingley and Chase continue to excel in the NFL, their growth and impact reflect the powerful foundation they built at LSU.

In this article, we will dive into the significance of the recent contract extensions for Derek Stingley Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase, explore how their continued success is a testament to the 2019 LSU Tigers, and examine the broader legacy of this historic team.

The 2019 LSU Tigers: A Historic Season

To fully appreciate the success of Derek Stingley Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase in the NFL, it’s important to revisit the remarkable season that the 2019 LSU Tigers had. Under head coach Ed Orgeron, LSU unleashed one of the most unstoppable offenses in college football history, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow. The Tigers finished the season with a perfect 15-0 record, dominating every opponent they faced on their way to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

What made the 2019 LSU team so special was not just the offensive firepower but the well-rounded and balanced nature of the team. While Burrow and Chase captured much of the spotlight, LSU’s defense was equally crucial to their championship run. With players like Stingley, linebacker Jacob Phillips, and defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence, the Tigers boasted a defense that could match the intensity of their offense.

However, it was the combination of offensive and defensive brilliance that elevated LSU to greatness in 2019. The offense, led by Burrow and a stacked group of receivers—including Chase—was explosive, with an average of 48.4 points per game. On the other hand, the defense, spearheaded by the lockdown cornerback play of Derek Stingley Jr., was able to hold its ground against some of the nation’s most formidable offenses. This dynamic unit was responsible for turning LSU into the dominant force it became, culminating in one of the most iconic seasons in college football history.

Derek Stingley Jr.: The Shutdown Corner and His Rise to NFL Stardom

Derek Stingley Jr. was one of the most highly touted players coming out of the 2019 LSU team, and for good reason. Stingley, a true freshman in 2019, immediately became one of the top cornerbacks in college football, earning consensus All-American honors and helping LSU secure a championship with his stellar play on defense. His ability to shut down top-tier wide receivers and make key interceptions made him a critical piece of LSU’s title-winning defense.

Stingley’s skills as a cornerback are undeniable. He has a unique combination of speed, agility, and ball skills that make him one of the toughest players to beat in coverage. His ability to read and anticipate the quarterback’s intentions, coupled with his physicality and instincts, set him apart from many of his peers. In 2019, he made several game-changing plays, including a memorable interception against Texas, that highlighted his potential as one of the best cornerbacks in the country.

Following his remarkable college career, Stingley declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Houston Texans as the third overall pick in the 2022 draft. Since entering the NFL, Stingley has lived up to the immense expectations placed upon him. His shutdown ability has been on full display, as he consistently guards some of the league’s most dangerous wide receivers. Stingley has already shown glimpses of being a game-changer in the NFL, quickly solidifying his reputation as one of the best young cornerbacks in the game.

In recognition of his growth and potential, Stingley recently signed a contract extension with the Texans, which secures his place as one of the foundational players on their defense for the long term. This extension serves as both a reflection of his talent and a testament to the impact he made during his time at LSU. It also speaks to the importance of his role in the professional ranks and the trust the Texans have in his ability to develop into one of the league’s top cornerbacks.

For LSU fans, Stingley’s continued success is an affirmation of the program’s ability to produce elite defensive talent. His time at LSU was marked by a commitment to excellence and an unwavering ability to take on top receivers in the SEC. Now, as he continues to impress in the NFL, Stingley’s legacy is only growing.

Ja’Marr Chase: From LSU’s Star Receiver to NFL Superstardom

While Stingley’s rise in the NFL is a testament to LSU’s defensive prowess, Ja’Marr Chase’s journey from LSU to the NFL is a story of offensive brilliance. Chase was a key component of the Tigers’ record-breaking offense in 2019. Alongside fellow wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Chase helped to make LSU’s offense nearly unstoppable, catching passes from Burrow and terrorizing opposing defenses.

Chase’s 2019 season was nothing short of historic. He finished with 84 receptions for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, including a dominating performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Clemson, where he caught 9 passes for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns. Chase’s incredible ability to separate from defenders, coupled with his strong hands and deep ball ability, made him one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the country.

In 2021, after a dominant college career, Chase declared for the NFL Draft and was selected fifth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. His transition to the NFL was immediate and impactful. In his rookie season, Chase became one of the top wide receivers in the league, posting over 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns. His chemistry with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who was also part of the 2019 LSU Tigers, was evident, and together, they formed one of the most dynamic duos in the NFL.

Chase’s exceptional performance earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and he quickly became one of the most exciting players to watch in the league. As a result, the Bengals have recognized his potential as a franchise cornerstone, leading them to sign him to a lucrative contract extension that will keep him in Cincinnati for the foreseeable future.

Chase’s extension is a testament to his exceptional talent and his impact on the NFL, and it also underscores the incredible legacy of the 2019 LSU Tigers. With Burrow throwing him passes, Chase demonstrated his elite ability to make plays at the highest level, and his success is a reflection of the talent that LSU helped nurture. For LSU fans, watching Chase flourish in the NFL is a point of immense pride, and his extension is further evidence that the Tigers’ program is capable of producing players who not only dominate at the college level but also go on to excel in the professional ranks.

The 2019 LSU Tigers Legacy: A Lasting Impact

The contract extensions of Derek Stingley Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase are just the latest chapters in the ongoing legacy of the 2019 LSU Tigers. This team, which was led by one of the most high-powered offenses in college football history and a defense that played with discipline and intensity, has had a lasting impact on the NFL and beyond.

LSU’s success in developing players for the professional ranks is something that has been a point of pride for the program for decades. The Tigers have produced a long line of NFL stars, but the 2019 team set a new standard for what LSU can accomplish. The combination of elite talent, coaching, and a commitment to excellence has helped elevate LSU to the forefront of college football recruiting.

Looking at the players from the 2019 team who have succeeded in the NFL, it’s clear that the legacy of that season is far from over. In addition to Stingley and Chase, several other members of the team, including Justin Jefferson, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, have all made a significant impact in the NFL. The success of these players speaks volumes about the level of coaching, development, and preparation they received at LSU.