Fredd Young, the former Seattle Seahawks linebacker who became a four-time Pro Bowl selection in the 1980s, died Tuesday at 64.
New Mexico State, his college alma mater, and the Seahawks both announced his death Wednesday. No cause of death was disclosed.
Young built his reputation as a relentless, versatile defender who made an impact right away. Seattle drafted him in the third round, 76th overall, in the 1984 NFL Draft, and he quickly carved out a role on special teams. As a rookie, he earned Pro Bowl honors and became the first player who was not a return specialist to make the Pro Bowl as a special-teams player.
He soon transitioned into the starting lineup at linebacker in his second season and kept the Pro Bowl streak going through 1987. His best year in Seattle came in that final season, when he posted nine sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and an interception in 13 games. That performance earned him first-team All-Pro recognition.
Before his NFL career took off, Young was a standout at New Mexico State after growing up in Dallas and playing football and basketball at Woodrow Wilson High School. He was a four-year starter for the Aggies from 1980-83, picked up first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 1982 and followed that with an honorable mention All-American season in 1983 after leading the team with 140 tackles and 12 sacks. He finished his college career with 393 tackles.
Young spent four seasons with Seattle before a 1988 trade sent him to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round draft picks following a contract dispute. He played three seasons in Indianapolis and retired after the 1990 season. Over seven NFL seasons, he appeared in 101 regular-season games, started 79 and finished with 21 sacks and three interceptions.
In 2025, the Seahawks included Young among the top 50 players in franchise history during the team’s 50th-season celebration. New Mexico State inducted him into its athletics Hall of Fame in 1991 and later added him to its Football Ring of Honor.
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