Byron Young Bio
Byron Young (born March 13, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 260 pounds, he plays as an outside linebacker and edge rusher. He is recognized as one of the promising young pass rushers to enter the league in recent years.
Young played college football for the Georgia Military Bulldogs before transferring to the Tennessee Volunteers, where he developed into a top defensive prospect. He was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft and quickly became a starter. In recognition of his standout play, Young was named to the Pro Bowl in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Byron Young was born on March 13, 1998, in Georgetown, South Carolina, in the United States. He grew up in the surrounding region and attended Carvers Bay High School in Hemingway, South Carolina. Coming out of high school, he was barely recruited by major college programs, a common path for prospects who develop later in their careers.
Before launching his football career, Young worked at Dollar General, a job that reflected the modest circumstances of his early years. His background and work ethic shaped his approach to the sport and motivated his determination to succeed at higher levels. Those formative experiences helped build the discipline that would later define his playing style.
Path to American Football
Young’s journey to the professional level began when he walked on at Georgia Military College in 2020, where he spent one season developing his skills at the junior college level. His performance there was strong enough to earn him a ranking as the number 10 Junior College prospect in his class. That recognition opened the door to major college football opportunities.
Young ultimately committed to the University of Tennessee over other programs such as Ole Miss, choosing the Volunteers to continue his career. Initially a backup during his first season at Tennessee in 2021, he started the last eight games of that year, recording 46 total tackles and leading the team with 5.5 sacks. His transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) marked the beginning of his rise as a disruptive defensive player.
Byron Young Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Byron Young’s early career began at Georgia Military College, where he played during the 2020 season. His play at the junior college level attracted attention from four-year programs and positioned him as a sought-after transfer. He used that one season as a springboard into a major conference.
At Tennessee, Young’s development accelerated quickly. In 2022, during the Volunteers’ Week 6 game against LSU, he recorded 2.5 sacks and was named the SEC defensive lineman of the week for his performance. At the conclusion of that season, he was named to the All-SEC first team, cementing his status as one of the top defensive players in college football.
NFL Breakthrough (2023–2024)
Byron Young was selected in the third round (77th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Rams acquired the 77th overall pick from the Miami Dolphins after trading cornerback Jalen Ramsey for tight end Hunter Long. Heading into his first training camp and preseason, Young earned a starting outside linebacker role, opposite Michael Hoecht.
Young made his first career start and NFL debut in the Rams’ Week 1 victory against the Seattle Seahawks, notching his first career split-sack and playing in 84 percent of the defensive snaps. The following week, he recorded his first full career sack in a 30–23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He continued to add production, including a half-sack against the Cincinnati Bengals and his first multi-sack game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9.
As a rookie, Young played in all 17 games with 16 starts, logging 85 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. He finished his rookie season leading all rookie edge rushers with 8 sacks, 61 total tackles (42 solo), two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His impressive debut earned him PFWA All-Rookie Team honors, signaling his immediate impact at the professional level.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2023–Present)
Byron Young has remained with the Los Angeles Rams since being drafted in 2023, continuing to develop as a core piece of the team’s defense. Working under head coach Sean McVay, he has maintained his role as a starting outside linebacker and built upon the production of his rookie season. His growth has positioned him as a long-term contributor on the Rams’ defensive front.
In 2025, Young was named to the Pro Bowl, recognizing his continued excellence and confirming his emergence as one of the league’s notable young pass rushers. His presence on the field has helped anchor the Rams’ defensive efforts and provided stability at the edge rusher position. The partnership between Young and the coaching staff has been central to his sustained success.
Driving Style and Strengths
Byron Young is recognized for his quick first step, relentless motor, and ability to disrupt both the run game and the passing game. His combination of speed and strength allows him to win off the edge against offensive tackles, while his tackling consistency makes him reliable in space. Young’s football intelligence and work ethic have made him a trusted piece of the Rams’ defensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Byron Young’s signature moments are his first multi-sack game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9 of his rookie season and his dominant performance against LSU in 2022 that earned him SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. Being named to the Pro Bowl in 2025 stands as a defining milestone in his young career, validating his rapid rise from a lightly recruited high schooler to a recognized NFL talent.
Byron Young Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Byron Young’s family background remains limited. He grew up in the Georgetown, South Carolina area and attended Carvers Bay High School in nearby Hemingway. The details of his parents and any extended family connections to football have not been widely documented in verified sources.
Personal Life
Byron Young keeps much of his personal life out of the public eye. No verified information about a spouse, partner, or children is currently available. His social media presence reflects his life as a professional athlete, but he has not publicly shared extensive details about his private relationships.
2025 Season Performance
Byron Young’s 2025 season has further cemented his reputation as one of the standout young edge rushers in the NFL. Building on the foundation of his rookie campaign, he has continued to produce consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His selection to the Pro Bowl in 2025 highlighted his elite-level performance across the season.
Operating as a starting outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, Young has remained a key figure in the team’s defensive game plan. His ability to set the edge in the run game and collapse the pocket in passing situations has been central to the Rams’ defensive identity. The continuity of his role under head coach Sean McVay has allowed him to refine his technique and expand his responsibilities.
Looking ahead, Young’s trajectory suggests continued growth and potential All-Pro recognition if he maintains his current level of play. His combination of youth, production, and work ethic positions him as a foundational piece for the Rams’ defense for years to come. The partnership with the Rams’ coaching staff and his ongoing development suggest that his best football is still ahead.