Seattle Seahawks legend Fredd Young has died.
New Mexico State football confirmed his passing on Wednesday. The two-time All-Pro linebacker was 64.
A native of Dallas, Young spent four of his seven NFL seasons with the Seahawks after being selected with the 76th overall pick of the 1984 NFL Draft following a standout collegiate career. His 393 tackles are fourth-most in Aggies history. He also set the single-game mark for sacks with six in a 1983 game against Louisiana Tech.
Initially viewed as only a special teams player, Young became a key part of the Seahawks defence. He appeared in 60 games for the team and recorded 21.0 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and three interceptions. He was named a Pro Bowler in all four of his seasons in Seattle.
He was traded to the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the 1988 season directly after finishing third in voting for Defensive Player of the Year. The Seahawks received first-round picks in 1989 and 1990 in return. Seattle would use the latter pick in a draft-day trade with the New England Patriots to move up to select legendary defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy with the third overall selection.
Young would appear in 41 games for the Colts over three seasons, retiring after the 1990 campaign at the age of 29. He cited chronic arthritis in his right hip. Young finished his NFL career with 101 games played over seven seasons.
Following his retirement, Young would go on to be the recipient of a number of honours. He was inducted into the New Mexico State Hall of Fame in 1991 and was then enshrined on the school’s Ring of Honor in 2027. Then in 2024, he was inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.
He was also fondly remembered by Seahawks fans. Young was named to the team’s 35th anniversary team in 2010. He was also named one of the team’s top 50 players last summer.
Young is survived by his wife and children.
