Rickey Young


Rickey Young is a former American football running back who played nine seasons in the NFL.

Personal life

Not only was Young one of the most successful football players of all time, but he has had an accomplished personal life as well. He has two children: Micah, born in 1985, who is affected by microcephaly, and Colby, born in 1988.

NFL career

Young was drafted in 1975 by the San Diego Chargers. After playing three years for the Chargers he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for All-Pro guard Ed White. In his first season with the Vikings he led the NFL with 88 receptions, breaking Chuck Foreman's record for receptions by a running back in a season. He played in six seasons with the Vikings, but retired after seeing limited action in 1982 and 1983. He retired with 1,011 rushes for 3,666 yards and 23 touchdowns, along with 408 catches for 3,285 and 16 touchdowns.
In his 9 seasons in the NFL, Young did not miss a single game, playing in all 131 contests that his teams played in that span.

College career

Young played college football at Jackson State and was a teammate of Walter Payton.