Byron Young Bio
Byron Young is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Military Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers before being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Young made an immediate impact as a rookie, leading all rookie edge rushers with 8 sacks and earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors. He continued his strong play into his second season, earning Pro Bowl selection in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Byron Young was born on March 13, 1998, in Georgetown, South Carolina. He attended Carvers Bay High School in Hemingway, South Carolina, where he played football. Despite his talent, Young received limited college recruitment offers and worked at Dollar General before walking on at Georgia Military College in 2020. His journey from working retail to becoming a professional athlete demonstrates his determination and work ethic.
Path to American Football
Following one season at Georgia Military College, Young was ranked as the number 10 junior college prospect in the nation. He committed to the University of Tennessee over Ole Miss, choosing to continue his football career with the Volunteers. Initially a backup during his first season at Tennessee in 2021, Young quickly proved himself and earned a starting role.
Young started the final eight games of the 2021 season, recording 46 total tackles and leading the team with 5.5 sacks. His performance caught the attention of coaches and scouts. During the 2022 season, Young established himself as one of the top defensive players in the SEC. In Week 6 against LSU, he recorded 2.5 sacks and earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. His dominant performance continued throughout the season, culminating in him being named to the All-SEC First Team. Young’s impressive college career positioned him well for the NFL Draft.
Byron Young Career
Los Angeles Rams Breakthrough (2023)
Young was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round with the 77th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Rams acquired this draft pick from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Hunter Long. Young entered training camp competing for a starting role at outside linebacker and earned the starting job opposite Michael Hoecht by the end of the preseason.
Young made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2023 season against the Seattle Seahawks, recording his first career split-sack and playing 84 percent of defensive snaps in the victory. He recorded his first full sack the following week in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, Young recorded his first multi-sack game of his career. He continued his strong play throughout the season, adding three more sacks in the final five games.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2024-Present)
Young returned to the Rams in 2024 and continued his development as a foundational piece of the defense. He appeared in all 17 games during the season, building on his rookie success. In 2025, Young earned his first Pro Bowl selection, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top young linebackers. He has accumulated 205 career tackles, 27.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery through his first three seasons.
Driving Style and Strengths
Young plays the outside linebacker position with exceptional athleticism and a non-stop motor. His quick first step and hand technique allow him to defeat offensive tackles consistently. Working alongside Michael Hoecht and the Rams coaching staff, Young has developed into a complete edge rusher who can set the edge against the run while also providing interior pass rush flexibility.
Notable Events and Milestones
Young made an immediate impact in his rookie season, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors and leading all rookie edge rushers with 8 sacks while starting 16 of 17 games played. The highlight of his rookie year came in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers when he recorded his first multi-sack game. By season’s end, he had accumulated 8 sacks total, 61 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He built on this foundation in 2024 and 2025, earning his first Pro Bowl selection while tallying 19.5 sacks over those two seasons and 27.5 career sacks overall.
Byron Young Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Young attended Carvers Bay High School in Hemingway, South Carolina. His path to professional football is notable given that he received minimal college recruitment interest. After high school, Young worked at Dollar General before walking on at Georgia Military College in 2020, demonstrating his perseverance and dedication to achieving his football goals.
Personal Life
Young’s journey from Dollar General employee to NFL starter represents a remarkable underdog story. He transferred to Tennessee, where he developed into an SEC First-team selection and eventual NFL draft pick. Young continues to build on his foundation as a starter for the Los Angeles Rams, working toward continued success in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Young entered the 2025 season as a key contributor for the Rams defense. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection that season, recognizing his strong play throughout the year. Working under the Rams coaching staff and alongside Michael Hoecht, Young has continued to develop his craft and contribute to the team’s defensive success. His trajectory suggests he will remain a central piece of the Rams defense for years to come.