Young was selected in the tenth round (273rd overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 1982 NFL draft.[3] He started the preseason as the fifth-string strong safety.[3] In an exhibition against the Dallas Cowboys, Young recorded four tackles, three assists, an interception, and a touchdown-saving pass deflection in two quarters of playing time.[3] He earned a spot on the Chargers' final roster.[6] In his NFL debut, Young forced a fumble, recovered two fumbles, and intercepted a pass from Craig Morton in their season-opening win over the Denver Broncos, with the Los Angeles Times saying that "there couldn't have been a more unlikely defensive star."[7]
On October 9, 1983, Young picked off Jim Zorn and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown to help the Chargers beat the Seattle Seahawks 28โ21.[8] It was both his first touchdown as a pro, and his first since high school.[8] In the 1984 season opener, Young recorded two interceptions to help the Chargers defeat the Minnesota Vikings, 42โ13.[9] He was waived by the Chargers on July 9, 1985.[10]