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Jack Youngblood

Defensive End

Inducted 1992

Date of Birth

1/26/1950

Birthplace

Monticello, FL

School

University of Florida (1968-1970)

Bio

In 1969, Florida defensive end Jack Youngblood led his team in tackles with 66. In 1970, he made first team All-America and pulled off one of the greatest plays in Florida history. Georgia was leading 17-10 and had the ball on Florida's 1-yard line. A Georgia back tried for a touchdown. Youngblood stopped him short of the goal line, knocked the ball out of his grasp, and recovered it. Florida went on to win 24-17. Youngblood began playing at a small high school in Monticello, Florida; he stood 6-4 but was rather thin. He grew to weigh 246 pounds. His coach, Ray Graves, said, "He added weight in an honest way. This was before the days body-building became so widespread." He was named to the all-Southeastern Conference 25-year team for 1950-74. Youngblood played 14 years with the Los Angeles Rams 1971-1984 and was all-pro six times. He became active in charity for the Tyler Foundation for Deaf Children, Child Help USA, and Orange County (California) Children's Hospital.