NFL CAREER – Rugged veteran has been a mainstay on the defensive front since being signed by the Saints as an Unrestricted Free Agent in 2004, starting all 47 games he has appeared in. Young’s consistency has been a hallmark of his career in New Orleans, as each year he has ranked among the defensive line’s top tacklers. In 2006, he started all 16 games and ranked third on the club with 5.5 sacks, his highest total since 2001. Young also posted 57 tackles and a fumble recovery – the eighth of his career. He has paid dividends since joining the club by being one of the defense’s most consistent and hard-working performers. For his career – including his stint with the St. Louis Rams from 2000-03 – Young has played in 107 games, with 78 starts, and recorded 484 tackles, 18.5 sacks, an interception and a pair of forced fumbles.

COLLEGE – All-America third-team, All-Western Athletic Conference first-team selection and Defensive Player of the Year as a senior at Texas-El Paso…Played defensive end final season, and had 121 tackles and eight sacks…All-WAC selection as junior with 104 tackles and 3.5 sacks…As sophomore was All-WAC second-team with 76 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles…Redshirted between freshman and sophomore seasons…Graduated with degree in criminal justice

PERSONAL – Lettered in football and track at Andress (El Paso, Texas) HS…A regular presence at community events covering a wide range of causes, including working with child cancer patients…Married (Noelle)…Young’s wife sang the National Anthem prior to Carolina contest in Baton Rouge in 2005…Full name: James Brian Young…Born July 8, 1977 in Lawton, Okla.