NMSU and NFL linebacker Fred Young dies in Las Cruces at 64

NMSU and NFL linebacker Fred Young has died in Las Cruces at 64. Young played for the New Mexico State Aggies from 1980 through 1983 before a seven-season NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks.

Young led New Mexico State in tackles in both 1982 and 1983 and finished his college career ranked fourth all-time in career tackles at the school, according to NMSU records cited in a KRQE report.

He became one of just 18 players in New Mexico State football history to earn All-American honors.

The Seattle Seahawks selected Young 76th overall in the 1984 NFL Draft. He went on to play seven seasons in the league, earning First-Team All-Pro selections in 1984 and 1987.

He was also recognized among the top 50 players in Seahawks franchise history.

In 2024, Young was inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame, according to the report.