Fredd Young, a standout whose football career spanned New Mexico State and the NFL, has died at 64. Seattle honored Young in 2025 as one of the franchise's top 50 players, a recognition that underscored the mark he left on the organization.
From New Mexico State to the NFL
KVIA reported that Young played for the NMSU Aggies from 1980–83 and finished his college career with a burst of memorable performances. The university notes his six-sack game against LA Tech in 1983 remains the single-game sack record for an Aggie. KVIA also reported Young earned First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 1982, and received AP and The Sporting News All-American honorable mentions in 1983.
KVIA further reported that NMSU Athletics described Young as a four-year starter whose impact on the program and the Las Cruces community will long be remembered.
NFL rise and professional highlights
Albuquerque Express reported that the Seattle Seahawks selected Young in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft and that he spent seven seasons in the league. The Express reported Young quickly stood out on special teams and that he was chosen to the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons with Seattle.
The Express reported Young became a defensive fixture and earned first-team All-Pro recognition in 1987, a season in which he recorded nine sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and an interception. In September 1988, Seattle traded Young to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round draft picks, the Express reported; he spent his final three NFL seasons with Indianapolis before retiring after the 1990 campaign.
Across his seven NFL seasons, Young finished with 21 sacks and three interceptions in 101 games, starting 79, Albuquerque Express reported.
Remembering a local and franchise figure
Young’s career bridged standout college production and tangible contributions at the professional level. The Seahawks’ inclusion of Young among the team’s top 50 players in 2025 highlighted a legacy that combined key single-game feats, season-long impact and a sustained presence on the field.
KVIA quoted NMSU Athletics saying Young's influence on Aggie athletics, the game and the Las Cruces community will long be remembered — an echo of the respect shown by both his collegiate program and the NFL organizations he represented.
Friends, former teammates and fans will recall Young for the performances that produced records, postseason honors and the durable imprint that earned him recognition from the school he represented and the franchise he helped shape.
