Buddy Young
Young with the Colts
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| Date of birth | January 5, 1926 |
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| Place of birth | Chicago |
| Date of death | September 1, 1983 (aged 57) |
| Place of death | Terrell, Texas |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Halfback |
| College | Illinois |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1947–1949 | New York Yankees (AAFC) |
| 1950–1951 | New York Yanks |
| 1952 | Dallas Texans |
| 1953–1955 | Baltimore Colts |
| Awards | Baltimore Colts #22 retired |
| Honors | Pro Bowl (1954) |
| Career stats | |
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Claude Henry K. "Buddy" Young (January 5, 1926 – September 5, 1983) was an American football player and track and field athlete. A native of Chicago, he was Illinois state champ in the 100-yard dash. The 5'4" Young, also known as the "Bronze Bullet", had exceptional quickness and acceleration. He is one of the shortest men ever to play in the National Football League (NFL). As a track star at the University of Illinois, he won the National Collegiate Championships in the 100 and 220-yard dash, tied the world record for the 45 and 60-yard dashes (6.1 in the latter event), and was the Amateur Athletic Union's 100-meter champion.
Young was as impressive on the gridiron as on the track. He received scholarship offers from several schools, including the University of Michigan, Drake University, Marquette University and the University of Illinois. He chose Illinois and established himself as a star immediately. In his first game for the Illini, he scampered 64 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. On his second carry, he ran for a 30-yard touchdown. In all, in his debut he gained 139 yards on 7 carries, an average of 19.7 yards. Before the season concluded, he scored 10 touchdowns equaling the Big Ten Conference record established by the immortal Red Grange in 1924.
These unusual early successes brought the freshman running back national attention. "Not since the days when Red Grange was ripping up the sod...for Bob Zuppke and the Illini has there been so much pigskin excitement on the University of Illinois Campus." Sportscaster Bill Stern called him "The fastest thing in cleats and the runner of the year." Ray Eliot, Young's coach, referred to him as "The best running back I have ever seen." Only a freshman, Young was named to several All-America teams.
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