The Seahawks drafted New Mexico State linebacker Fredd Young with the 76th overall pick in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft. The Dallas, Texas native only played four seasons in Seattle but made a tremendous impact on the franchise as he was a Pro Bowler in all four seasons and was a first-team All-Pro in 1987.
While Young would eventually be known for his big play ability on defense, he began his career as one of the league’s top performers on special teams as we he was named the AFC’s Special Teams Player of the Year in 1984. He ranks second in franchise history with two blocked punts in his career in Seattle.
Young led the Seahawks in tackles in three of his four seasons in Seattle, recording at least 100 tackles in a season from 1985-1987. His best season in the NFL came in 1987 when he recorded nine sacks despite only playing in 13 games. He received Defensive Player of the Year votes to go along with a Pro Bowl and All-Pro nomination.
“Fredd Young was dependable. He was always making plays, and his name was always getting called whether it was stuffing a hole, making a tackle or getting back in pass coverage. He definitely was one of the players that made the Seattle defense what it was during this time,” said sports broadcaster Kenny Mayne.
The Seahawks would go on to trade Young after his All-Pro season in 1987 to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round picks in the NFL Draft. He would play in 41 games with the Colts, totaling two sacks in three seasons.
After suffering a dislocated hip, Young retired following the 1990 season ending his NFL career after seven years. The standout linebacker and special teamer finished his professional career with 601 tackles, 21 sacks and three interceptions.
In 2024, Young and fellow Seahawks Top 50 player nominee, Michael Sinclair, were announced as part of the 2024 class of the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.
