Willie Young (defensive end) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Willie Young

Young with the Chicago Bears in 2015
No. 79, 97
Position:	Defensive end / Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1985-09-19) September 19, 1985 (age 39) Riviera Beach, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	258 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:	Palm Beach Gardens (FL)
College:	North Carolina State
NFL Draft:	2010 / Round: 7 / Pick: 213
Career history
Detroit Lions (2010–2013) Chicago Bears (2014–2017)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-ACC (2009)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 186 Sacks: 32.0 Forced fumbles: 3 Fumble recoveries: 2 Interceptions: 1
Player stats at PFR

Willie James Young Jr. (born September 19, 1985) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive end and linebacker. The Detroit Lions picked him in the 2010 NFL draft. He also played college football at NC State.

Willie Young's Early Life

Willie Young was born in Riviera Beach, Florida, on September 19, 1985. He went to Palm Beach Gardens Community High School. There, he played basketball, football, and ran track. In football, he was a defensive lineman.

High School Football Achievements

As a junior in 2003, he made 60 tackles and 9 sacks. In his senior year, he had 65 tackles and 12 sacks. He was a top college prospect. He received a scholarship to play football at NC State. Willie also has a younger brother, Avery Young. Avery plays offensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

College Football Career

Willie Young attended North Carolina State University. He earned a degree in science and technology. He did not play in the 2005 season. This is called a "redshirt" year in college sports.

Playing for NC State

In 2006, he played in all 12 games. He started five of those games. He made 44 tackles and had one interception. In 2007, he played in all 12 games again. He started eight games that season. He made 16 tackles for loss. In 2008, he started 12 games. He had 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Experts thought he would be picked in the fifth or sixth round of the 2010 NFL draft.

Professional Football Journey

Willie Young was chosen by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL draft. He was the 213th player picked overall.

Time with the Detroit Lions

Young did not play much in his first year, 2010. He was inactive for most games. In the 2011 season, he played in 14 games. In 2013, he gained attention during a preseason game. He had a moment with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. After a play, Young was given a penalty. He was also benched for a short time.

Playing for the Chicago Bears

On March 13, 2014, Young signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears. He joined as a backup player. In his first game with the Bears, he got his first sack. This was against the Buffalo Bills. In Week 2, he sacked Colin Kaepernick twice. He continued to play well in Week 3, sacking Geno Smith.

Key Moments with the Bears

In Week 4, he blocked a kick by Mason Crosby. In Week 5, he sacked Cam Newton. In Week 6, he had two more sacks against the Atlanta Falcons. Willie Young finished the 2014 season with 10 sacks. This was his best season for sacks.

In 2015, the Bears changed their defense. Young became an outside linebacker. He recorded a sack in five games in a row. Only two other Bears players had done this before. On July 30, 2016, Young signed a two-year contract extension. On October 10, 2017, he was placed on injured reserve. This happened after he hurt his triceps muscle. The Bears released Young on February 28, 2018.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season Stats

Playoff Stats