The Washington Commanders bolstered their pass-rush by adding veteran defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. Here are five things to know about one of the team's newest defenders.
1. He's a part-time owner of a vegan restaurant.
Wise, a former fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2017, has been vegan since his rookie season. He wanted to make sure his body was getting the best nutrients possible, and after doing some research on how a vegan diet can improve one's athletic ability, he cut out meat entirely and moved towards plant-based protein.
"Almost immediately after changing my diet, not only did I come back with added muscle mass, but some of my weight training numbers improved to personal bests, and I continued to effectively produce on the defensive side of the field," Wise told Greatveganthletes.com.
The lifestyle changes not only led to success on the field but also in other aspects of his professional life. Last year, he announced an investment in Veggie Galaxy, a Boston-based vegan restaurant with a full vegetarian menu.
"To have the opportunity to work with a company with which I share the same core beliefs and values makes this more than just a business opportunity for me," Wise said. "I'm also very excited to play a role in helping to make plant-based food more accessible to a wider audience."
So, if you're ever around Boston and want to try comfort food like burgers and macaroni and cheese with a vegan twist, give Veggie Galaxy a try. You can check out their menu and bakery options HERE.
2. He was a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.
The Commanders didn't just get someone to help their pass rush; they also added a player who has a history of giving back to the community.
Wise was selected as the Patriots' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for his efforts to support the Patriots' Foundation, receiving the Ron Burton Patriots Community Service Award, given annually to a Patriots player for their contributions to their community. He also started the Wise Up Foundation, which is dedicated to providing underserved student-athletes with educational resources and opportunities.
"Deatrich's commitment to his craft, constant effort and desire to improve every day has earned the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates who have selected him as a team captain for the past three seasons," Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said in a statement. "But it is his commitment to positively impacting the lives of everyone he touches that earns him this honor."
The Wise Up Foundation has several initiatives including football camps, block parties and meals for veterans. Check out more information about the foundation HERE.
3. He's in his high school's Hall of Fame.
Wise started his football career at Hebron High School in Suffolk, Virginia, where he played defensive end for the Hawks. Last year, he was honored by his high school by being inducted into their Hall of Fame.
Wise, who graduated from Hebron in 2012, was viewed as one of the best high school prospects at his position with a top 40 ranking by Scout.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports. He helped the Hawks earn a playoff berth during his senior year and was named District 8-5A Defensive Player of the Year for recording 113 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, two quarterback hurries and one blocked field goal.
Wise, a three-star prospect, committed to Arkansas over Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Arizona, Purdue and Wake Forest. Wise played in 50 games with 10 starts with the Razorbacks, recording 112 tackles, 17 quarterback hurries, six pass breakups and four forced fumbles. His 16.5 sacks are the 10th most in program history.
4. He and his family operate a youth program for teaching the basics of football.
Wise and his family want to make sure the next generation of football players knows how to play the game in a safe manner. So, they started up a football camp specifically for offensive and defensive linemen to provide kids with the necessary tools to succeed.
The Wise Big Man Camp is a one-day, non-contact camp available to athletes in the 7th-12th grade. In addition to learning the basics of their positions, participants get exposure to coaches and NFL players.
"Knowledge is a key part of our mission," according to the camp's mission statement, "and we strive to provide our campers with access to high-quality resources, including expert coaches and training materials, to help them achieve their goals."
Check out more information about the Wise Big Man Camp **HERE.**
5. His brother also played for the Commanders.
Wise isn't the only member of his family to play for Washington. His brother, Daniel Wise, also suited up for the Burgundy & Gold.
Daniel, an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 2019, first joined Washington when it was known as the Washington Football Team in 2021. Although he was mostly a practice squad contributor, he played in 17 games with two starts and recorded 11 tackles.
Deatrich is joining a different version of Washington's franchise, now with a new name, coaching staff and front office, but his brother gave him an idea about what to expect, particularly when it comes to the fan base.
"He just talked about how wonderful the fans are, how nice the city is and how I would love it here," Deatrich said.
The Commanders could certainly use his skill set, as they are looking for more options to put pressure on quarterbacks. Deatrich has 34 career sacks, and hopefully he'll add a few more to give fans a reason to cheer during the regular season.
