Andre Young (American football)

Andre Benoise Young (born November 22, 1960) is a former professional American football player who played defensive back for two seasons for the San Diego Chargers[1]

Andre Young
No. 49
Position:Defensive back
Personal information
Born: (1960-11-22) November 22, 1960
West Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:199 lb (90 kg)
Career information
High school:West Monroe (LA)
College:Louisiana Tech
NFL Draft:1982 / Round: 10 / Pick: 273
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:36
Interceptions:6
Fumble recoveries:4
Touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early life

While in middle school, Young played as a quarterback.[2] He attended West Monroe High School in West Monroe, Louisiana, where he played offensive tackle and some tight end on the football team.[2]

College career

As a freshman at Louisiana Tech, Young played weakside linebacker.[2] He earned first-team all-Southland Conference honors as a sophomore in 1979 at defensive end.[3][4] Young was moved to middle linebacker the following season and again earned a first-team all-conference selection.[3][5] He changed positions once again as a senior; he was converted to a defensive back.[3]

Professional career

Young was selected in the tenth round (273rd overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 1982 NFL draft.[3] He started the preseason as the fifth-string strong safety.[3] In an exhibition against the Dallas Cowboys, Young recorded four tackles, three assists, an interception, and a touchdown-saving pass deflection in two quarters of playing time.[3] He earned a spot on the Chargers' final roster.[6] In his NFL debut, Young forced a fumble, recovered two fumbles, and intercepted a pass from Craig Morton in their season-opening win over the Denver Broncos, with the Los Angeles Times saying that "there couldn't have been a more unlikely defensive star."[7]

On October 9, 1983, Young picked off Jim Zorn and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown to help the Chargers beat the Seattle Seahawks 28–21.[8] It was both his first touchdown as a pro, and his first since high school.[8] In the 1984 season opener, Young recorded two interceptions to help the Chargers defeat the Minnesota Vikings, 42–13.[9] He was waived by the Chargers on July 9, 1985.[10]

References
  1. Andre Young NFL & AFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com
  2. Distel, Dave (October 10, 1983). "San Diego's Strong Safety Makes His First Pro Journey to End Zone (II)". Los Angeles Times. p. S12. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. Marshall, John James (August 23, 1982). "Who's this Young man in San Diego's lineup?". Shreveport Journal. p. 1C. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Southland Announces All-League Choices". The Daily Advertiser. December 2, 1979. p. 70. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "On All-SLC Squad: Four Cagers Selected". The Daily Advertiser. November 30, 1980. p. 72. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Bennett cut by Bengals". Shreveport Journal. September 8, 1982. p. 3C. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. Cobbs, Chris (September 12, 1982). "Here's a Big Switch: Chargers' Defense Crushes Broncos". Los Angeles Times. p. S1. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. Distel, Dave (October 10, 1983). "San Diego's Strong Safety Makes His First Pro Journey to End Zone (I)". Los Angeles Times. p. S1. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. Cobbs, Chris (September 3, 1984). "Marine Tactics Can't Stop Chargers, 42-13 (II)". Los Angeles Times. p. S10. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. Posner, Jay (July 10, 1985). "Chargers waive goodbye to veterans". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. D1. Retrieved August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
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