Baltimore Ravens veteran Kyle Van Noy, who recorded a career-best 12.5 sacks in 2024 and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in his 11th NFL season, recently spoke about Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Van Noy, who was Herbert’s teammate in 2022 when the Chargers made the playoffs but suffered a devastating loss after blowing a 27-0 lead, described Herbert as a perfectionist who needs to relax and simply play the game. He praised Herbert’s strong work ethic but suggested he could improve by building better relationships with his teammates. Despite the Chargers’ struggles and coaching changes, Van Noy believes Herbert’s leadership and approach could shift public perception if he shares his commitment more broadly within the locker room.
Van Noy also shared insights into his own late-career success, crediting his perseverance and mindset for his standout defensive performance with the Ravens, where he has tallied 21.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He highlighted the support from teammates like Safety Kyle Hamilton and linebacker Rokuan Smith, and credited defensive coordinator Zach Orr for his development. Particularly admired is Ravens’ star Lamar Jackson, whom Van Noy calls a unique and inspiring teammate who treats everyone equally and fosters a strong team atmosphere.
Looking ahead, Van Noy is preparing for life after football with ambitions in TV and content creation, using his NFL experience to offer candid perspectives on the sport.
Fan Take: This news highlights the growing pains and leadership challenges young quarterbacks like Justin Herbert face in the NFL, showing how veteran players’ mentorship can be crucial. For fans, it underscores the importance of teamwork and culture in building winning franchises, offering hope that Herbert and the Chargers can evolve into true contenders.
