Charle Young, a standout tight end whose decorated NFL journey spanned 13 seasons, has passed away at the age of 75. The former player earned widespread recognition for his consistent excellence on the field, securing three All-Pro honors—one of them on the first team—and earning selections to three Pro Bowls.
His professional highlights also featured a memorable championship run with the San Francisco 49ers in 1981.
The 49ers organization expressed its sorrow in an official statement released Tuesday afternoon.
“The 49ers mourn the passing of former TE Charle Young,” the team said. “Our organization sends its deepest condolences to the Young family and friends.”
Young entered the world on February 5, 1951, in Fresno, California. He went on to shine during his collegiate days at the University of Southern California, where he earned unanimous All-American status in 1972. His standout performances helped propel the Trojans to a national championship while he established multiple records at the school that stood out in program history.
Selected sixth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1973 NFL Draft, Young wasted little time making an impact at the professional level. He burst onto the scene as a rookie, claiming first-team All-Pro honors right away. His momentum continued through the following years, as he collected second-team All-Pro nods in both 1974 and 1975, alongside Pro Bowl appearances in each of his initial three campaigns with the franchise.
After delivering four productive seasons in Philadelphia, Young took his talents to the Los Angeles Rams, suiting up for that team from 1977 through 1979. He then signed with the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the 1980 season, where he would contribute to one of the most significant chapters in the organization’s legacy.
In the championship 1981 campaign, Young started every one of the 16 regular-season contests for the 49ers. He hauled in 37 passes for 400 receiving yards and found the end zone five times during that regular season. His postseason efforts proved equally valuable, as he added seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown while helping San Francisco capture victory in Super Bowl XVI.
Young wrapped up his time in San Francisco after the 1982 season before moving north to finish his playing days with the Seattle Seahawks over the next three years. Across his entire professional tenure, which covered 187 games, he accumulated 418 receptions, 5,106 receiving yards, and 27 touchdowns. Those numbers underscored his reliability and skill as a pass-catching tight end in an era when the position demanded toughness and versatility.
Following his retirement from the NFL, Young’s contributions at the college level received further acclaim. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats from his USC era.
As word of his passing spread, an outpouring of respect emerged across social media platforms from both longtime fans and members of the sports media. Tributes highlighted not only his statistical achievements but also personal encounters that left lasting impressions.
One such remembrance came from Seahawks podcaster Dan Viens, who reflected on Young’s later career and physical presence.
“Oh man. This is a bummer. 3-time All Pro finished his career in Seattle from 1983-85. Caught 61 for 688 yards and 3 TD’s as a Seahawk. I shook his hand once and it went up to my elbow. Largest hands I’d ever seen. Rest in peace Charle Young.”
Associated Press reporter Josh Dubow also shared a specific memory that connected Young to the dawn of a dynasty.
“Charle Young caught the first playoff TD pass of the #49ers dynasty, an 8-yarder from Joe Montana to open scoring on the divisional round vs Giants in 1981 season.”
Young’s career bridged different teams and evolving styles of play in the NFL, leaving behind a legacy defined by early dominance, championship success, and enduring respect within the football community. His journey from a record-setting college standout to a key contributor on a Super Bowl-winning roster continues to resonate with those who followed his path through the game.
