1. Claude Henry K "Buddy" Young was an American professional football player and executive in the National Football League.
18 Facts About Buddy Young
1. 2.
Buddy Young is one of the shortest men ever to play in the NFL, he was drafted in the 1947 AAFC Draft in the Special Draft by the New York Yankees.
3.
Buddy Young was as impressive on the gridiron as on the track.
4.
Buddy Young received scholarship offers from several schools, including the University of Michigan, Drake University, Marquette University and the University of Illinois.
5.
Buddy Young chose Illinois and established himself as a star immediately.
6.
In late January 1945, Buddy Young was drafted by the Navy.
7.
Buddy Young's performance won accolades from players, coaches, writers, and fans.
8.
Rumors circulated that once Buddy Young fulfilled his service obligation he would be drafted by the NFL or lured to the University of California, Los Angeles to play for the Bruins.
9.
Buddy Young was one of the first black men to play pro football; he played on teams where he was typically one of two or three black players, and undoubtedly he had his rough spots, but his warm, bubbling personality carried him through, and made him immensely popular.
10.
Buddy Young was one of the special selections awarded to the New York Yankees in the 1947 AAFC Draft.
11.
Buddy Young was recognized with an honorable mention for the Associated Press' 1951 All-Pro Team at safety.
12.
Buddy Young came with the franchise to Dallas and then was one of 11 Texans players who subsequently played for the Colts.
13.
Buddy Young was a threat at several positions: five times in his professional career, he eclipsed 1,000 all purpose yards, and in 1954, he was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl team.
14.
Over his nine-year professional career, NFL and AAFL, Buddy Young averaged 4.6 yards per carry as a running back, over 15 yards per reception as a receiver, and almost 28 yards per kickoff return, peaking at a remarkable 34.4 yards per return for the Colts in 1953.
15.
Buddy Young was the first Colt to have his number retired, 22.
16.
Buddy Young was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.
17.
In 1970, Buddy Young received the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award, which was presented to him at an awards ceremony in Dallas, Texas.
18.
On September 4,1983, Buddy Young died in a car accident at age 57.