Andre Young (American football)

Andre Benoise Young (born November 22, 1960) is a former professional American football player who played defensive back for two seasons for the San Diego Chargers

Early life
While in middle school, Young played as a quarterback. He attended West Monroe High School in West Monroe, Louisiana, where he played offensive tackle and some tight end on the football team.

College career
As a freshman at Louisiana Tech, Young played weakside linebacker. He earned first-team all-Southland Conference honors as a sophomore in 1979 at defensive end. Young was moved to middle linebacker the following season and again earned a first-team all-conference selection. He changed positions once again as a senior; he was converted to a defensive back.

Professional career
Young was selected in the tenth round (273rd overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 1982 NFL draft. He started the preseason as the fifth-string strong safety. In an exhibition against the Dallas Cowboys, Young recorded four tackles, three assists, an interception, and a touchdown-saving pass deflection in two quarters of playing time. He earned a spot on the Chargers' final roster. In his NFL debut, Young forced a fumble, recovered two fumbles, and intercepted a pass from Craig Morton in their season-opening win over the Denver Broncos, with the Los Angeles Times saying that "there couldn't have been a more unlikely defensive star."

On October 9, 1983, Young picked off Jim Zorn and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown to help the Chargers beat the Seattle Seahawks 28–21. It was both his first touchdown as a pro, and his first since high school. In the 1984 season opener, Young recorded two interceptions to help the Chargers defeat the Minnesota Vikings, 42–13. He was waived by the Chargers on July 9, 1985.