Tank Younger

The Barrier-Breaking Fullback Who Paved the Way for Future Generations

Few players in NFL history have had the impact, toughness, and pioneering legacy of Paul “Tank” Younger. A trailblazer in professional football, Younger was the first player from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to play in the NFL, paving the way for countless future stars.

But Younger wasn’t just a historical figure—he was an absolute force on the field, excelling as a fullback, linebacker, and defensive end. At 6’3”, 225 pounds, he was one of the largest and most punishing backs of his era, combining brute strength, deceptive speed, and an unstoppable motor to become a key piece of the dominant Los Angeles Rams teams of the 1950s.

Younger helped revolutionize the fullback position, proving that big, bruising runners could also be agile and versatile, setting the blueprint for future greats like Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, and Jerome Bettis. After his playing days, he continued to break barriers, becoming the first Black executive in NFL history, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the gridiron.

This collection honors Tank Younger, the groundbreaking trailblazer and gridiron warrior who changed the NFL forever.

Tank Younger’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Younger’s impact wasn’t just historical—his numbers prove that he was one of the best all-around players of his era.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1949–1958)

First HBCU Player in NFL History (1949)
Two-time NFL Champion (1951, 1955)
Four-time Pro Bowler (1951, 1952, 1953, 1955)
Los Angeles Rams All-Time Team
Career Rushing Yards: 3,640
Career Rushing Touchdowns: 34
Career Receptions: 108
Career Receiving Yards: 1,374
Career Receiving Touchdowns: 10
First Black NFL Front Office Executive (1975, with the San Diego Chargers)
NFL 1950s All-Decade Nominee
Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (2000)

At a time when the NFL was still segregated, Younger’s talent, power, and leadership shattered racial barriers, making him a pioneer who forever changed football.

The Early Years – A Standout at Grambling State

Younger’s rise to NFL stardom was unconventional, as he had to fight his way into the league from an HBCU, a path that was virtually unheard of at the time.

Growing Up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Younger was born on June 25, 1928, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, growing up in a segregated America.
As a child, he showed natural athletic ability, playing football on the dirt fields of Baton Rouge with speed and physicality far beyond his years.

Dominating at Grambling State

Younger attended Grambling State University, where he became one of the greatest HBCU football players of all time.
Under legendary coach Eddie Robinson, he dominated both offense and defense, playing fullback, linebacker, and defensive end.
He led Grambling to multiple championships, proving that HBCU players deserved a place in professional football.

Despite his incredible dominance, NFL scouts overlooked him simply because he played at an HBCU. But one coach, Los Angeles Rams scout Eddie Kotal, saw his potential—leading to one of the most important signings in NFL history.

Breaking Barriers in the NFL – The First HBCU Player in League History

When Eddie Kotal of the Los Angeles Rams signed Younger in 1949, he became the first player from an HBCU to ever play in the NFL, breaking a major racial barrier in professional sports.

A Rookie Season for the History Books (1949)

Younger immediately proved he belonged, rushing for 509 yards and 5 touchdowns in his first season.
His size, speed, and power were unlike anything the NFL had ever seen at fullback.
Despite breaking barriers, Younger faced intense racism and discrimination from both fans and opposing players—but he never backed down.

NFL Champion & Pro Bowl Dominance (1950–1955)

By 1950, Younger had solidified himself as one of the best fullbacks in the NFL, running with unmatched power and precision.
In 1951, he helped lead the Rams to an NFL Championship, becoming the first HBCU player to win a title.
From 1951 to 1955, he was selected to four Pro Bowls, proving that he was not just a trailblazer but an elite player.
He played alongside other Black pioneers, including Marion Motley and Ollie Matson, proving that Black athletes could dominate at the highest level.

A Versatile Weapon – Fullback, Linebacker, and Defensive Star

What made Younger so special wasn’t just his ability to run the football—it was his unmatched versatility.

A Two-Way Player in an Era of Specialists

In the 1950s, most players specialized in one position, but Younger was a rare breed, excelling at multiple positions.
As a fullback, he was a bruising, punishing runner who could also catch passes out of the backfield.
As a linebacker, he was a physical enforcer, reading plays and making huge tackles.
He even played defensive end when needed, proving that he was one of the most complete football players ever.

Younger’s ability to dominate on both sides of the ball made him one of the most valuable players of his era.

The Final Years & Retirement (1956–1958)

By the mid-1950s, Younger was still a dominant player, but injuries began to take a toll.

1955 – Another Championship for the Rams

In 1955, Younger and the Rams won another NFL Championship, giving him his second title.
He continued to be one of the most respected and feared players in the league, setting the stage for future generations of HBCU stars.

Retiring as a Legend

Younger retired in 1958, having played ten seasons as one of the best fullbacks in NFL history.
At the time of his retirement, he was one of the most decorated Black players in NFL history, opening doors for future legends like Jim Brown and Gale Sayers.

But Younger wasn’t done breaking barriers yet—he was about to make history once again.

Post-Retirement – Becoming the First Black NFL Executive

Even after retiring as a player, Younger continued to influence the game.

The First Black Front Office Executive in NFL History (1975)

In 1975, Younger made history again by becoming the first Black front-office executive in NFL history, joining the San Diego Chargers as Assistant General Manager.
In a time when Black representation in coaching and front offices was almost nonexistent, Younger paved the way for future Black executives and coaches.
His work helped set the stage for future Hall of Fame Black executives like Ozzie Newsome.

Defining Moments of Younger’s Career

1949 – First HBCU Player in NFL History: Breaks barriers and paves the way for future Black stars.
1951 – Wins First NFL Championship: Helps the Rams win their first title.
1955 – Wins Second NFL Championship: Cements himself as one of the best fullbacks ever.
1975 – Becomes the First Black Front Office Executive: Breaks barriers in NFL leadership.
2000 – Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame: Recognized for his dominance at Grambling State.

A Legacy That Changed Football Forever

Tank Younger wasn’t just a great player—he was a pioneer, a leader, and a history-maker.

He shattered racial barriers, opening doors for HBCU players to reach the NFL.
He helped redefine the fullback position, proving that big, powerful runners could also be athletic and versatile.
His work as an NFL executive helped shape the future of Black leadership in football.

A Champion and One of the Most Important Figures in NFL History.