Fredd Young, NM State football legend, dies at 64
Fredd Young, a former New Mexico State defensive end widely considered one of the greatest players in Aggies football history, has died at the age of 64. The Las Cruces community and the New Mexico State athletics program are mourning the loss of the Football Ring of Honor member, according to New Mexico State Sports.
Young played for New Mexico State from 1980 through 1983 and was inducted into the U.S. Bank/NM State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound defensive end from Dallas was a four-year starter and earned First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 1982.
His senior season in 1983 was among the most dominant in program history, according to NM State Sports. Young earned Associated Press and Sporting News All-American honorable mentions after leading the Aggies in tackles for the second consecutive season.
Young recorded 134 tackles in 1982 and 140 in 1983, finishing his college career with 393 tackles, which still ranks fourth in program history.
He also recorded 12 sacks in 1983, the fourth-highest single-season total in Aggies history. His six-sack performance against Louisiana Tech that season remains a New Mexico State single-game record.
Young was also a standout on special teams. He returned 28 punts during his career and ranks 10th in program history in punt-return yardage. His career average of 10.1 yards per punt return ranks fourth in school history.
In 1983, Young returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, covering 92 yards and 90 yards.
Following his college career, Young was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft with the 76th overall pick.
Young quickly established himself in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl selections in each of his first four seasons. He initially earned recognition as a special teams player before becoming a key contributor on Seattle’s defense.
He was named a first-team All-Pro twice, in 1984 and 1987.
Young is survived by his wife and children.
“His impact on Aggie Athletics, football and the Las Cruces community will long be remembered,” according to NM State Sports.
