What a beautiful memorial, Lowell. In the few minutes it took to read this i feel enriched and now wish i’d been paying closer attention to Charlie Young during his time with the 49ers. I love his evangelical spirit (tho i’m not religious) and love even more you felt honored he tried to convert you. Very spiritual, in a secular way.
I remember Charle well, Lowell. I remember him jumping high to catch Montana’s pass in that first Super Bowl win, January 1982, I believe. It was off a double reverse flea flicker, if I’m not mistaken. Walsh was rolling out the trick play early, just as John Madden always said you should do. Charle was the man on that team, tight end numero uno. He was an overachiever, just like so many on that team. People forget that team that went from 6-10 to the Lombardi trophy was made up of a lot of obscure guys who weren’t exactly household names, if they ever would be, Earl Cooper and Freddie Solomon and Lenvil Elliot at tailback, fer cryin’ out loud. Even Joe Montana was a relative newcomer, a long way from Canton. And Charle Young was the man at Tight End. Love all your reminiscences, sir. And your deli reviews. Say hi to Iggy.
Heckuva player. Made a magnificent catch in that first Super Bowl. So they are interesting because they understand “life is absurd”? I don’t disagree but would love to hear you expand on that…
Mark, you found the weakness in my essay and I appreciate it. Charle most definitely would not think life is absurd. He was a devout Christian. I imposed my views on him. I apologize to you and to Charle. Lowell
What a lovely and sentimental tribute to someone who touched your life. After reading this, I looked up Mr. Young's football stats. Very impressive. He also was involved in many charitable organizations after he retired. Thanks for sharing a little bit about Charle.
Those years were a very special time in my life. I had the good fortune to have those great 49er years accompany me through four years of veterinary school at U.C. Davis. I sometimes think it was the 49ers that got me through that journey.
I am so very grateful to read about your experiences and impressions of that glorious period of hometown football. All those names of all those players, their jersey numbers, their positions and the great plays they made form the best family of memories for which a seventy year old man could ever ask.
In my early youth on Long Island it was the Yankees of the sixties and seventies. In my early adulthood and professional career it was, and always will be, the San Francisco forty-niners. I read all your columns back then and now I have the privilege of hearing your voice and your wisdom once again.
Sad to hear. Great story Lowell. You made Charle come alive for your readers. Are you suggesting that George Kittle is interesting cause he's a tight end? ...Of course he is. And ... Jesus was Jewish too. Interesting how many people forget that.
What a beautiful memorial, Lowell. In the few minutes it took to read this i feel enriched and now wish i’d been paying closer attention to Charlie Young during his time with the 49ers. I love his evangelical spirit (tho i’m not religious) and love even more you felt honored he tried to convert you. Very spiritual, in a secular way.
Take care, Lowell
Steve
I remember Charle well, Lowell. I remember him jumping high to catch Montana’s pass in that first Super Bowl win, January 1982, I believe. It was off a double reverse flea flicker, if I’m not mistaken. Walsh was rolling out the trick play early, just as John Madden always said you should do. Charle was the man on that team, tight end numero uno. He was an overachiever, just like so many on that team. People forget that team that went from 6-10 to the Lombardi trophy was made up of a lot of obscure guys who weren’t exactly household names, if they ever would be, Earl Cooper and Freddie Solomon and Lenvil Elliot at tailback, fer cryin’ out loud. Even Joe Montana was a relative newcomer, a long way from Canton. And Charle Young was the man at Tight End. Love all your reminiscences, sir. And your deli reviews. Say hi to Iggy.
Great story, Lowell. I remember Charlie Young but didn't know he was a born-again Christian. The crawfish tale is priceless.
Wonderful reminiscence. Lowell, would you include John Frank in the list of interesting 49er tight ends?
Yes definitely
Maybe Charle was wrong about the crawfish but he was right about you. He knew your
( writer’s) heart. A burden and a blessing…to bear witness. Well done.
Heckuva player. Made a magnificent catch in that first Super Bowl. So they are interesting because they understand “life is absurd”? I don’t disagree but would love to hear you expand on that…
Mark, you found the weakness in my essay and I appreciate it. Charle most definitely would not think life is absurd. He was a devout Christian. I imposed my views on him. I apologize to you and to Charle. Lowell
What a lovely and sentimental tribute to someone who touched your life. After reading this, I looked up Mr. Young's football stats. Very impressive. He also was involved in many charitable organizations after he retired. Thanks for sharing a little bit about Charle.
Those years were a very special time in my life. I had the good fortune to have those great 49er years accompany me through four years of veterinary school at U.C. Davis. I sometimes think it was the 49ers that got me through that journey.
I am so very grateful to read about your experiences and impressions of that glorious period of hometown football. All those names of all those players, their jersey numbers, their positions and the great plays they made form the best family of memories for which a seventy year old man could ever ask.
In my early youth on Long Island it was the Yankees of the sixties and seventies. In my early adulthood and professional career it was, and always will be, the San Francisco forty-niners. I read all your columns back then and now I have the privilege of hearing your voice and your wisdom once again.
From the bottom of my heart...thank you Lowell.
Sincerely,
Scott
I think Mr. Young would be smiling now after reading such a wonderful memory of him…
Sad to hear. Great story Lowell. You made Charle come alive for your readers. Are you suggesting that George Kittle is interesting cause he's a tight end? ...Of course he is. And ... Jesus was Jewish too. Interesting how many people forget that.