The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and the alma maters of Dan Ross and Charles Young paid tribute to their 2004 College Football Hall of Fame inductees with On-Campus Salutes on Saturday, October 9.
Northeastern University honored their former All-America tight end, Dan Ross when they hosted Villanova. Charles Young, a former USC standout was recognized by his alma mater when they hosted California.
Both ceremonies were held Saturday, Oct. 9 at halftime of their respective games. In addition to being recognized on the field on which they once played, an official College Football Hall of Fame plaque was presented to each school for their permanent display to commemorate induction.
The rest of the 2004 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be honored with On-Campus Salutes at their respective alma maters throughout the remainder 2004 college football season.
HONOREE BIOGRAPHIES
Dan Ross
Northeastern University (MA)
Tight End, 1975-78
Arguably the greatest player ever to don a Northeastern University football jersey, Dan Ross set numerous single-season and career receiving records and now becomes the first Husky to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
Named First Team All-America in 1978, Ross earned the Bulger Lowe Award as the outstanding player in New England and the Harry Agganis Award as New England’s outstanding senior. Selected team captain, he was recognized as All-New England and All-East Region in 1978. Although regarded as a stellar blocker, Ross’ pass catching abilities vaulted him to stardom. In four years, he set Northeastern records for single-season receptions (68), career receptions (153), single-season receiving yards (988) and career receiving yards (2,343). After his final game, the school officially retired his #84 jersey.
Following graduation in 1980, Ross played for a total of 10 years in professional football in both the NFL and the USFL, earning All-Star recognition in both leagues. In 1983, he set a Super Bowl record with 11 receptions as his Cincinnati Bengals fell to the San Francisco 49ers.
Successful in business and active in the community, Ross is currently the owner and president of Power House Supply, but he still finds time to coach Pop Warner Football and participate in charity golf tournaments.
Charles Young
University of Southern California
Tight End, 1970-72
Continuing in a long line of celebrated Southern California greats, tight end Charles Young will become the fifth Trojan in five years to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
A unanimous First Team All-America in 1972, Young appeared in the Hula Bowl and College All-Star Game. A First Team All-Conference selection, he led USC to two Rose Bowl appearances and both a PAC-8 Conference title and National Championship in 1972. Named USC’s Lineman of the Year in 1972, Young’s 68 receptions were a school record by a tight end. In three seasons, he amassed 1,090 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Following graduation, Young earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973 and went on to play for 13 seasons in the NFL with four teams. He earned All-Pro honors four times and won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers in 1983.
A staunch community supporter, Young volunteers with the United Way, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Society, and Pacific Northwest Athletic Congress. A volunteer for the 1990 Goodwill Games, he participated in the Black Men Professional Breakfast and is a board member of the Wee Care Childcare Center.
With 119 chapters and over 13,000 members nationwide, The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in America’s young people. NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., PLAY IT SMART, The NFF Center for Youth Development Through Sport at Springfield College (Mass.), the NFL-NFF Coaching Academy, and scholarships of nearly $1 million for College and High School Scholar-Athletes.
