Steve Young

Former San Francisco 49ers Quarterback, NFL Hall of Fame Inductee, Analyst for ESPN

Topics: Teamwork, Leadership, Sports, Attitude, Inspirational & Motivational, Strategy, Elite Performance

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Biography

Steve Young is a former professional American football player who played 15 seasons in the National Football League, best known for his tenure as the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers who led them to victory in the 1994 Super Bowl, earning the Super Bowl MVP award.

Young was named the NFL MVP in 1992 and ’94, holds numerous NFL and 49er records, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Young is currently an NFL Analyst for ESPN and a managing director for private equity firm, HGGC.

Young played college football for Brigham Young University, and began his professional career in the United States Football League. In 1984, Young transitions to the NFL and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played until being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 1987. Young was the backup to legendary quarterback Joe Montana for the 1987 – 1990 seasons, at which time he took over and began his own legacy.

A two-time league MVP, Young completed 2,667 of 4,149 passes for 33,124 yards and 232 touchdowns, with 107 interceptions, and 43 rushing touchdowns. His 96.8 career passer rating is the fifth highest in NFL history, and the all-time highest among retired players. His 4,239 rushing yards are the fourth most ever gained by a quarterback. Young was the NFL’s top rated passer in six different seasons and led the league in touchdown passes four times. During his time with the 49ers, Young had a passer rating of 101.4, which is the highest in franchise history.

Young is currently a managing director of Huntsman Gay Global Capital, which he co-founded with billionaire industrialist Jon M. Huntsman and former Bain Capital executive Robert C. Gay. HGGC is a private equity firm with over $4.25 billion of cumulative capital commitments. The firm was named Mid-Market Private Equity Firm of the Year by Mergers & Acquisitions magazine in 2014.

Young is also an active NFL analyst for ESPN, who travels to various cities around the country for Monday Night Countdown and the pre- and post-game editions of SportsCenter. Young annually contributes to ESPN’s Super Bowl and NFL Draft coverage.

In 1993, Young founded the Forever Young Foundation, a charitable organization that aids children facing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges by providing academic, athletic, and therapeutic opportunities. He also serves as a National Advisor to ASCEND: A Humanitarian Alliance.

Videos

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Performance Under Pressure

Steve Young has encountered seemingly insurmountable challenges at every step of his football career. Though under continuous pressure, Young never lost touch with his own identity. Whether scrambling to avoid the clutches of blitzing linebackers or trying to live up to impossible expectations placed on him by 49er fans, Young remained devoted to community, religion, and his fierce desire to succeed. Young’s focus and commitment shines through in this presentation in which he inspires audiences to be true to themselves and never let go of your dream.

Believe In Yourself and Your Team Will Believe In You

Former San Francisco 49er’s quarterback Steve Young shares his own personal experiences and the “life’s lessons” his experiences over the years have taught him–overcoming physical injury and emotional disappointment and taking pride in all of your achievements regardless of the reactions of others. He encourages audiences to persevere through the rough times and realize that it takes a team effort to be successful.

Success from the School of Hard Knocks

A charismatic and inspiring sports speaker, Steve Young shares with audiences the tools he has used to accomplish victories on and off the playing field. Stressing the value of teamwork, he uses humor and a wealth of anecdotes to prove that no goal is unreachable.

Testimonials

We truly appreciate the time and effort Steve spent preparing. This was the most successful conference in the history of our association, and Steve's participation and support were important contributors.

– Retail Industry Leaders Association