Dareke Young Bio
Dareke Young is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner who currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 4, 1999, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Young developed his athletic abilities at Middle Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina, before advancing his football career at Lenoir–Rhyne University. The Seattle Seahawks selected Young in the seventh round, 233rd overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. Throughout his professional journey, Young has primarily contributed on special teams while steadily developing as an offensive weapon. He captured a Super Bowl championship with the Seahawks before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2026.
Early Life and Background
Dareke Young grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he attended Middle Creek High School from 2014 to 2017. During his high school career, Young demonstrated his versatility as a receiver, recording 29 receptions for 502 yards and 5 touchdowns. His career record included only three losses, showcasing his competitive nature and dedication to the sport. Beyond his athletic achievements, Young excelled academically and earned Academic All-Conference honors, reflecting his commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
After graduating from Middle Creek High School, Young pursued higher education at Lenoir–Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. He played for the Lenoir–Rhyne Bears from 2017 through 2021, developing his skills as a collegiate receiver and special teams contributor. His time at Lenoir–Rhyne prepared him for the next level of competition and provided the foundation for his eventual transition to professional football.
Path to the NFL
Young’s journey from Middle Creek High School to the NFL exemplifies perseverance and steady improvement. His performance at Lenoir–Rhyne University showcased his abilities as a reliable pass-catcher and return specialist, attributes that would define his professional career. NFL scouts took notice of his combination of size, speed, and special teams acumen.
The Seattle Seahawks recognized Young’s potential and selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 233rd overall pick. This selection marked the beginning of his professional football career and presented him with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of the sport. Being drafted provided Young with the platform to continue his development while contributing to an NFL franchise.
Dareke Young Career
Seattle Seahawks (2022–2025)
Young joined the Seattle Seahawks as a rookie in 2022, immediately contributing on special teams. He appeared in 13 games during his inaugural season, demonstrating his reliability and tackling ability in the return game. Offensively, he recorded two catches for 24 yards as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of NFL competition. His special teams prowess made him a valuable member of the roster from the start.
The 2023 season presented challenges for Young when he was placed on injured reserve on September 4. He worked through his recovery and was activated on November 11, returning to action for the final stretch of the season. Young appeared in six games during 2023, continuing his role as a special teams contributor. The following season in 2024, he maintained his position on the roster and continued providing value in the return game and on coverage units.
2025 Season and Super Bowl Championship
Young entered the 2025 season as one of Seattle’s auxiliary wide receivers, seeking to expand his role in the offensive scheme. Unfortunately, his season was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve due to a quad injury on November 8, 2025. The setback required several weeks of rehabilitation before he could return to gameplay.
Young was activated from injured reserve on December 18, 2025, just ahead of a crucial Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. His timing could not have been better, as he delivered a pivotal performance in the NFC Championship Game. Young recovered a crucial muffed punt by Xavier Smith that proved instrumental in Seattle’s 31–27 victory over the Rams, propelling the team to the Super Bowl.
The Seahawks’ season culminated in a triumphant Super Bowl LX, where they defeated the New England Patriots 29–13. Young recorded a tackle in the championship game and secured his first Super Bowl ring as a professional. This victory represented the pinnacle of his career with the Seahawks organization and validated his contributions throughout his tenure in Seattle.
Las Vegas Raiders (2026–Present)
Following four seasons with the Seahawks, Young embarked on a new chapter in his career. On March 13, 2026, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, joining the franchise as a veteran presence in the receiving corps and special teams units. His experience as a Super Bowl champion brought established professionalism and reliability to his new team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Young has established himself primarily as a special teams asset, excelling in kickoff return and coverage roles. His combination of size at 6 feet 2 inches and 224 pounds provides him with the physicality to break tackles while maintaining the speed necessary to threaten defenses as a returner. His football intelligence and disciplined approach have made him a consistent contributor on coverage units throughout his career. Young’s ability to remain on an NFL roster through multiple seasons demonstrates his reliability and value as a role player.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Young’s career came in the 2025 NFC Championship Game when his recovery of a muffed punt helped secure Seattle’s victory over the Los Angeles Rams. This play showcased his awareness and readiness in crucial moments. The subsequent Super Bowl LX championship with the Seahawks represented the culmination of his four-year journey with the organization. From being a seventh-round draft pick to becoming a Super Bowl champion, Young’s career trajectory reflects the impact of perseverance and contributing in specific roles on championship teams.
Dareke Young Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Young has accumulated limited but meaningful statistics across the receiving and return games. His contributions have extended beyond traditional metrics, with his special teams plays often proving decisive in close games.
Major Championship
Young’s most significant accomplishment came in February 2026 when he won Super Bowl LX as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. The team defeated the New England Patriots 29–13 in the championship game, with Young recording a tackle. This Super Bowl victory marked the crowning achievement of his professional career and established him as a champion at the sport’s highest level.
Career Statistics Summary
Young’s career regular season statistics include 4 receptions for 72 receiving yards and 322 return yards. These figures reflect his role as a player whose primary value lies in special teams contributions rather than offensive production. His ability to remain productive in the return game while contributing on coverage units has been a consistent element throughout his NFL tenure.
| Category | Regular Season |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 4 |
| Receiving Yards | 72 |
| Return Yards | 322 |
Dareke Young Family
Personal Life
Young was born on June 4, 1999, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to parents who supported his athletic pursuits from an early age. His commitment to academic excellence, evidenced by his Academic All-Conference honors in high school, demonstrates the well-rounded approach he brings to his professional career. Young maintains a presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a mix of challenges and ultimate triumph for Young. After beginning the year as one of Seattle’s auxiliary wide receivers, his season was derailed by a quad injury that required him to be placed on injured reserve in November. The injury tested his resilience and commitment to returning to the field. Upon his activation in December, Young demonstrated his readiness by making an immediate impact in the playoffs.
His recovery and return proved prophetic, as he delivered a game-changing play in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. The muffed punt recovery he generated became a turning point in Seattle’s victory, exemplifying how special teams play can determine championship outcomes. Young carried that momentum into Super Bowl LX, where his contributions helped the Seahawks capture the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy. The season arc from injury setback to championship glory showcased his mental toughness and the value of remaining prepared for opportunities when they arise.