Sep 12, 2026 · 4 min · 5 segments
In today's episode, we discuss the legendary career of former San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings running back Rickey Young. A running mate of Walter "Sweetness" Payton at Jackson State, Young…
Ankit ChughHost
Even though Young split touches with his legendary backfield mate, he did produce 565 rushing yards as a senior and showed great potential.
The San Diego Chargers recognized his talent and selected him in the seventh round of the 1975 draft.
That decision would prove wise after the Bolts lost their most potent offensive weapon, Don Woods, to a season-ending injury early in the year.
Young wound up leading the team in rushing, scoring six touchdowns, and was one of the lone bright spots on a Chargers team that finished 2-12.
He proved it was no fluke the following season, racking up what would be a career-high 802 yards on the ground and five total touchdowns.
His 5 yards per carry was the 3rd highest in the league, and his 47 receptions were the 5th most among running backs.
While his production as a rusher took a step back in 1977, Young still paced San Diego for the 3rd year in a row.
He also remained a favorite target of Dan Fouts, finishing with 48 catches, the most on the team, and the 4th most among running backs.
Unfortunately, his contract was not representative of his contributions as an every down player, something he was vocal about.
The disconnect ended with him being traded to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 1978 season.
Even though Young split touches with his legendary backfield mate, he did produce 565 rushing yards as a senior and showed great potential.
The San Diego Chargers recognized his talent and selected him in the seventh round of the 1975 draft.
That decision would prove wise after the Bolts lost their most potent offensive weapon, Don Woods, to a season-ending injury early in the year.
Young wound up leading the team in rushing, scoring six touchdowns, and was one of the lone bright spots on a Chargers team that finished 2-12.
He proved it was no fluke the following season, racking up what would be a career-high 802 yards on the ground and five total touchdowns.
His 5 yards per carry was the 3rd highest in the league, and his 47 receptions were the 5th most among running backs.
While his production as a rusher took a step back in 1977, Young still paced San Diego for the 3rd year in a row.
He also remained a favorite target of Dan Fouts, finishing with 48 catches, the most on the team, and the 4th most among running backs.
Unfortunately, his contract was not representative of his contributions as an every down player, something he was vocal about.
The disconnect ended with him being traded to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 1978 season.
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