Charles Young, a 2004 NFF College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred as a tight end at Southern California from 1970-72, passed away May 12. He was 75.

"Charles Young was the kind of player who changed the way people viewed the tight end position," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "He brought a rare combination of size, athleticism and toughness to the game. Beyond football, Charles dedicated himself to serving others through ministry and mentoring young people, making a lasting impact. We are deeply saddened by his passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

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.

Nicknamed "Tree," 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.

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.