Fredd Young grew up in the football-rich city of Dallas, Texas, home to legends like Tim Brown (Oakland Raiders), Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals), and Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints). But when it came time to choose a college, Young made a decision that would shape his life in unexpected ways. Despite offers from schools like the University of North Texas and Stephen F. Austin, he carved his own path to greatness by choosing New Mexico State University (NMSU) — a decision that eventually led him to build a life in Las Cruces.

Starting Off Strong

After graduating from Dallas’s Woodrow Wilson High School — the only public high school in the U.S. to produce two Heisman Trophy winners — Young accepted a full athletic scholarship to NMSU and joined the Aggie football program as a linebacker (#44). What began as a college opportunity quickly turned into a lifelong connection.

Though he’d never set foot in New Mexico before, Young caught the eye of NMSU coaches while they were scouting another Woodrow Wilson player, offensive lineman Aaron Bolton. But it was Young who stood out and ultimately earned the scholarship. He never looked back.

At NMSU, Young became a defensive powerhouse. He was named First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference for three consecutive years and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors from both The Associated Press and Sporting News in 1983–84. That same year, the Seattle Seahawks selected him as the 76th overall pick in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft.

Young went on to play four seasons with the Seahawks and three with the Indianapolis Colts. During his NFL career, he competed against some of the greatest quarterbacks in history: Joe Montana, John Elway, Dan Fouts, Dan Marino, and Warren Moon. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, named All-Pro in 1984 and 1987, and in 2025, was honored as one of the Seahawks’ Top 50 All-Time Players.

​A New Balance

Now retired and living in Las Cruces with his wife Michelle, Young enjoys a quieter life filled with family — five adult children and eight grandchildren.

“I couldn’t wait to come back and settle down in Las Cruces,” he says. “This city had the biggest impact on me. NMSU opened so many doors, and now I talk to student-athletes and let them know they can do what I did: make it to the NFL, build a life, and take care of their families.”

Retirement, he says, has been a chance to focus on balance — between enjoying time with Michelle and embracing the joy of grandparenting. “Finding that balance is what makes this stage of life fulfilling.”

Young remains active in the community, recently being inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame — an honor he calls “truly humbling.” As a proud representative of the new NMSU Alumni Shop, he continues to support his alma mater. “I’m always in crimson and white; I bleed it,” he says. “I’ll be wearing my alumni shirt to all the games.

Still Enjoying Sports—and Life

Young regularly attends Aggie football games (he’s had front row seats on the 50-yard line for three decades) and enjoys following all types of college and local high school sports — from football to basketball to baseball. Watching his grandchildren grow, attending their events, and spending quality time with them keeps him grounded.

“Enjoying life on earth means appreciating both the simple pleasures and the big wonders of our world,” he says. “It’s about connecting with nature, doing things that bring you joy, and staying grateful for the time we have.”

For Fredd Young, Las Cruces wasn’t just where his football career began — it’s where his life truly took root.

“I’m a New Mexican now. My kids are here. My wife’s family is here. It’s safe. It’s home,” he says. “There’s no better place.”