The Seattle Seahawks confirmed on Wednesday that former linebacker Fredd Young has passed away at the age of 64. The team did not release specific details regarding the cause of death.
Selected in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft out of New Mexico State, Young began his professional career contributing primarily on special teams. This work earned him two of his four total Pro Bowl selections during the period from 1984 to 1987. Although he did not start a single game during his rookie year, the local linebacker established himself as a starter for the following three seasons. In that span, he started 41 of 44 games, recording 18 sacks, six forced fumbles, and one interception.
Tensions reportedly arose within the locker room in 1987 after the franchise used the No. 1 overall pick in the supplemental draft to select Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth. The organization signed the rookie to a then-record-breaking 10-year contract valued at $11 million, a sum that significantly exceeded Young’s compensation. In response, the veteran posted a standout performance that year, securing first-team AP All-Pro honors and placing third in the voting for AP Defensive Player of the Year.
Kenny Mayne, a former SportsCenter anchor and Pacific Northwest native, paid tribute to Young in a video posted by the team. Mayne described the former player as a dependable force who was frequently recognized for his contributions to the defense, whether through run-stopping, tackling, or pass coverage.
In 1988, the Seahawks traded Young to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round draft picks. These selections ultimately resulted in the team acquiring left tackle Andy Heck, who was chosen 15th overall in 1989, and defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, selected 10th overall in 1990. Young’s time in Indianapolis lasted three additional seasons. He retired after his seventh year in the league in 1990 at age 29, never returning to the Pro Bowl.
The franchise later recognized Young’s contributions by including him on its 35th anniversary team and naming him one of the top 50 players in its history, an announcement made during the 50th anniversary season in 2025.
Born in Dallas, Young played for New Mexico State from 1980 to 1983. He was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 1991 and its Football Ring of Honor in 2007. His career total of 393 tackles ranks fourth in school history, and he holds the single-game sack record with six recorded against Louisiana Tech in 1983. He also returned two kicks for touchdowns.
New Mexico State stated that Young is widely considered one of the finest players in the program’s history and remained a valued part of the Las Cruces community until his death. The Seahawks noted that Young is survived by his wife, Michelle, seven children, and seven grandchildren.