Hall of Fame
Position: Tight End
Years: 1970-1972
Place of Birth: Fresno, CA
Date of Birth: Feb 5, 1951
Date of Death: May 12, 2026
Jersey Number: 89
Height: 6-4
Weight: 228
High School: Fresno, CA (Edison HS)
Young became the first Southern Cal tight end to land First Team All-America honors as a unanimous pick in 1972. His efforts helped the Trojans to the national title in 1972, along with the Pac-8 Conference title and a 42-17 win over Ohio State in the 1973 Rose Bowl behind the leadership of NFF College Football Hall of Fame coach John McKay. Named USC's Lineman of the Year in 1972, Young's 62 receptions were a school record by a tight end.
Young caught 68 passes in his career for 1,008 yards with 10 touchdowns, including a team-high 29 receptions in 1972 when he also earned All-Conference First Team honors. He was selected to play in the 1973 Hula Bowl and Coaches All-America Game. Known as Charles and Charlie while at USC, Young earned the nickname 'The Tree.' During his professional career, he changed his name to Charle.
Selected sixth in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft by Philadelphia, Young played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Eagles (1973-76), Los Angeles Rams (1977-79), San Francisco 49ers (1980-82) and Seattle Seahawks (1983-85), including appearances in four Pro Bowls, Super Bowl XIV with the Rams and Super Bowl XVI with the victorious 49ers.
After his playing career, he became a minister in Seattle, where he ran a learning center for at-risk youths. His volunteer work included the United Way of America, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Society, the Pacific Northwest Athletic Congress, the Goodwill Games, and the Wee Care Childcare Center.
He was inducted into the USC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007 and named to the Pac-12 All-Century Team in 2016.
Born on Feb. 5, 1951, he grew up in Fresno, California, attending Edison High School.
Young passed away May 12th, 2026. He was 75.
