Bob Young (offensive lineman)

He started his career with the Denver Broncos, playing five seasons. However, he is noted mainly for his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he and other Cardinal offensive linemen are credited with introducing modern weightlifting/powerlifting into the training regime of the NFL. He was named to two Pro Bowls (1978 & 1979) and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 1979 as well. Young attended Howard Payne University. He was the older brother of three-time world powerlifting champion Doug Young.[1]

Young competed in the inaugural World's Strongest Man contest in 1977, finishing second to weightlifter Bruce Wilhelm. He also finished 5th in the 1979 World's Strongest Man.

In 1986, he was inducted into the Howard Payne University Sports Hall of Fame for his playing career in football along with track and field.[2]

Young was born September 3, 1942, in Marshall, Texas, to Richard and Laverne Young. He spent his childhood in Brownwood, Texas where he set the state (class 4A) shot put record in 1960. He played football at University of Texas (1960) but moved in 1961 to be closer to home (Howard Payne University).

After his pro career, Young coached in the USFL from 1982 to 1986 as an offensive line coach for the Houston Gamblers. He coached offensive line at University of Houston from 1987 to 1989, and for the Houston Oilers from 1990 to 1995. Known professionally as Bob, he was a giant man with a huge enthusiasm for food, fun, laughter and pranks. He was also an avid outdoorsman and loved to spend his time away from football playing golf and fishing.

Young died of a heart attack at age 52.

• Other American Football League players

• NFL.com player page