Commanders LB Frankie Luvu praised by new teammates for energy: 'Frankie's a dog'

After having one of his best NFL seasons in 2023 with the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Frankie Luvu was rewarded in free agency with a three-year, $36 million deal to join the Washington Commanders last month.

Ever since he signed, the linebacker has received acclaim for his energy and recent increase in performance, not just from his old friends but also from his new teammates.

One Commanders teammate, safety Jeremy Chinn, is especially familiar with the linebacker’s game, as he shared the field in Carolina with Luvu the last three years before also departing for Washington this spring.

“Frankie’s a dog,” Chinn said, via the team website. “They’re definitely gonna get somebody who’s high energy, somebody who’s gonna put his all on the line every single Sunday, every single week.”

Luvu began his career in 2018 with the Jets, playing a minor role for three years and managing four starts and 59 tackles during this time. However, his career took a turn when he joined the Panthers in 2021. Now 27 years old, Luvu has climbed up the depth chart, starting in 14 games in 2022 and all 17 games in the recent season. Over the past two years, he has made 236 tackles, 12.5 sacks, defended nine passes, forced three fumbles and made an interception.

With such a quick ascent up the defensive rankings for Luvu heading into the next phase of his career, one of his new teammates expressed he’s just glad to be on the same side now. Quarterback Marcus Mariota spent a season with the Falcons in 2022, and joked that he has had his fill of Luvu lining up against him while both were in the NFC South, after being sacked three times in two games against the Panthers that year.

“Mariota stated, “Despite his constant physical attacks on me, I’ve managed to know him slightly over the past six to seven years. Honestly, his performances are truly impressive if you ever take the time to watch his gameplay on tape. He has an exceptional ability to run around and make plays.”

With the Commanders, Luvu will also get the chance to work with one of the best players around at his position, as he’s set to play alongside Bobby Wagner. The nine-time Pro Bowler also signed in Washington this offseason and has already expressed excitement at working with Luvu, saying he’s “always watched his game from afar.”

Luvu understands that working daily with the veteran can only enhance his game.

“Luvu described him as the quintessence of a linebacker. He highlighted his comprehensive skills, his dedication to studying the game, his methods and habits, and his commitment to watching film. Luvu expressed that having him around and getting the opportunity to work with him is indeed a blessing,” he said.

Luvu stated that in his ongoing journey with a new team, he aims to highlight his versatile abilities, with the belief that he can be classified beyond being just a typical linebacker.

“Luvu said, “You can place me anywhere and we’ll surely achieve it.”

The Commanders officially opened their offseason program on April 2, and will have another voluntary minicamp April 22-24 before organized team activities kick into gear in May.