SANTA CLARA, CA - Former Lenoir-Rhyne Bear Dareke Young will look to become the first Bear to win a Super Bowl when he suits up for the Seattle Seahawks this evening. 

The former Bear receiver has played in 42 NFL games during his four-year career. Mainly a starter on special teams, Young broke out this year as a valuable kick returner for the Seahawks, totaling 10 returns for 322 yards, an average of 32.2 yards per return. He had the third highest kick return average in the league before an injury midseason sidelined him. He was reactived in week 16 and made a key fumble recovery on a muffed punt in the NFC Championship game. 

Young had a stellar career for the Bears from 2017-21. He finished his career with 73 receptions for 1176 yards and 16 touchdowns. The 16 touchdowns ranks ninth in Lenoir-Rhyne history and his three touchdowns against Mars Hill in 2021 is tied for the most in a single game. He posted four 100+ receiving yard games in his career and was named a team captain and All-Conference honoree in 2021.

Should the Seahawks win Young would join Justin Dean as Lenoir-Rhyne alumni who have won a professional championship this year. Dean won the World Series as a member of the Dodgers.