Fred Young

Fredd Young, a hard-hitting linebacker who became a New Mexico State University legend before starring for the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League, died on September 15, 2026, at the age of 64. His alma mater, New Mexico State, announced the death on September 16, and tributes followed from the Seahawks organization, sports media across the Pacific Northwest and New Mexico, and the Las Cruces community where he had lived for decades.

<cite index="1-1">New Mexico State Hall of Famer Fredd Young, a Dallas native and standout Aggies defensive end, has died at 64</cite>. <cite index="1-2">He was a four-year starter and earned First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 1982</cite>. <cite index="3-4">His 393 tackles are fourth-most in Aggies history</cite>, and <cite index="0-3">his six-sack performance against Louisiana Tech in 1983 remains the most ever recorded in a single game by any Aggie, according to the university</cite>. That record helped earn him induction into the university's athletics Hall of Fame and a place in the football program's Ring of Honor.

<cite index="0-5,0-6">Seattle selected Young in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft, and the team later recognized him as one of the top 50 players in franchise history</cite>. He broke into the league on special teams before developing into one of its most feared defenders. <cite index="2-5">As a rookie, he became the first AFC player to make the Pro Bowl as a special-teams player who was not a return specialist</cite>, and <cite index="8-6">he played four seasons in Seattle, making the Pro Bowl in each of them, the first two as a special teamer and the next two as a starting linebacker</cite>. <cite index="4-4">He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 1987, recording nine sacks, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries</cite>.

<cite index="2-7">In 1988, Young was traded to the Colts for a pair of first-round picks after a contract fight with the Seahawks</cite>, and he went on to close out his career in Indianapolis after seven seasons in the NFL. <cite index="4-1">He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection over the course of his career</cite>, cementing his reputation as one of the standout linebackers of his generation.

Off the field, Young remained closely tied to Las Cruces long after his playing career ended. <cite index="5-4">He was a highly visible Las Cruces resident, seen regularly at Aggies games, around town, and at the high school sporting events his children played in for years</cite>. <cite index="7-2">He was widely regarded as one of the greatest Aggies ever to wear the crimson and white, and he remained a cherished member of the Las Cruces community throughout his life</cite>.

<cite index="8-3">No cause of death was immediately revealed</cite> following the announcement of his passing. <cite index="5-4">He is survived by his wife, Michelle, and children Jessica, Freddy Jr., Matthew and Monroe</cite>.