By Jason Cruz
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Welcome to another edition of The Layup Drill. In this month’s edition, we take a look at a Seahawks rookie running back, a historic meeting between two Asian American managers, and Kim Ng, who led the Marlins to the playoffs.
Seahawks rookie RB making impact
Zach Charbonnet was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft this past year by the Seattle Seahawks and is making his presence known. Charbonnet, whose mother is part Cambodian and Chinese, immigrated to the United States from France. His father is Black.
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet looks on from the sideline during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Charbonnet grew up in California, but went to play college football at the University of Michigan from 2019-2020. He then transferred to be closer to home and played at UCLA from 2021-2022. At UCLA, Charbonnet was a Second-Team All-American and a First Team All-Pac 12 in 2022.
His mother stressed humbleness, respect, and commitment. When he was still a much-touted high school star, she told an LA Times reporter her sayings to her son that explained his philosophy.
“The school takes care of academics. Parents take care of character.” Also, “Respect is earned. That’s being called a role model.”
Charbonnet’s parents didn’t let him play football until the 7th grade, but once he made it on the field, he fell in love with the sport.
So far, Charbonnet’s role with the Seahawks has been backing up Kenneth Walker III. However, he is starting to see his role expand within the offense and one might expect it based on his strong start. In the game against the Carolina Panthers, Charbonnet carried the ball nine times for 46 yards and it included a run near the goal line in which he lowered his shoulder and plowed the defender several yards back.
The 22-year-old is just the second Cambodian American to play in the NFL. Jojo…
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