The road to the NFL can feel overwhelming for any rookie, but when Zion Young landed with the Baltimore Ravens, he had an advantage. He already knew someone waiting to help him navigate the adjustment.
Young and Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins have known each other for years, growing up in Atlanta before eventually sharing time at Westlake High School. Their friendship has quickly carried over to Baltimore, where Wiggins has taken an active role in helping the rookie settle into his new surroundings.
For Young, that guidance has extended well beyond football. He recently explained, while chatting with the media, that Wiggins has offered advice on every aspect of being a professional, even something as simple as keeping his locker room clean.
“@WigginNathaniel’s
been holding me accountable... He’s always been a fun guy to play with.” pic.twitter.com/bWagmh6t2x
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 6, 2026
Those conversations illustrate how much life changes after reaching the NFL. Success isn't determined solely by talent. It also comes from learning the habits and expectations that define successful professionals.
Young has embraced that mindset. Rather than relying exclusively on Wiggins, the rookie said he has become a sponge inside Baltimore's locker room, soaking up wisdom from every veteran or fellow rookie willing to share it.
“I’ve leaned on the whole room.” @ZionReese3 on being in the linebacker room pic.twitter.com/lZD7hZs2Pj
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 6, 2026
Whether the advice concerns preparation, recovery or daily routines, Young believes every lesson can help speed up his development. Still, it stands to reason that having a familiar face has made the transition easier.
For Wiggins, the mentorship represents another milestone in his own development. After battling injuries during his rookie season, the former first-round pick enters 2026 healthyand is expected to take a significant step forward in Baltimore's secondary. Helping guide a rookie teammate reflects a growing comfort level within the organization and suggests the Ravens already view him as more than just an emerging player.
The timing is fitting. Baltimore hopes Wiggins' third season becomes the breakout many envisioned when he arrived as a 2024 first-round selection. At the same time, Young is working to carve out his own role on one of the NFL's deepest rosters.
Their paths may look different today, but they began in the same Atlanta neighborhood years ago. Now, they're helping shape each other's futures again. This time, they'll be doing so wearing Ravens purple.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Nate Wiggins is helping childhood friend Zion Young adjust to the NFL
