As part of the celebration of Black History Month, the Bolts organization is highlighting the impact of former Chargers throughout February.
Paul "Tank" Younger was a trailblazer in every sense of the word.
As a running back, he became the first Black player to play in an NFL All-Star Game.
And as an executive, he made more history with the Chargers in 1975 when he became the league's first Black Assistant General Manager.
"Tank was really a pioneer in the Jackie Robinson mold," said Jack Teele, a former Chargers executive, was quoted as saying in Sam Farmer's 2001 obituary on Younger in the Los Angeles Times. "He was perfectly suited to play such a role. To Tank, racial differences really didn't exist much; you were either a good guy or a bad guy."
Younger, a Louisiana native, played college ball at Grambling State for legendary coach Eddie Robinson.
He made his first historical footprint in 1949 when he signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent to become the first NFL player from a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
Younger then ran for 3,640 yards and 34 touchdowns over his 10-year career with the Rams and Steelers, making four total Pro Bowl appearances.
He then spent a decade-plus as an NFL scout and executive before making more history in 1975 when he joined the Bolts front office.
Younger was the Chargers Assistant General Manager until 1986 and helped the Bolts win four division titles during his time with the front office.
Dean Spanos, the Chargers Owner and Chairman of the Board, also commented on Younger's immense impact on the game of football.
"He was one of the first people we met when we came into the league," Spanos said in this news article. "Tank was somebody that remained a friend throughout the years.
"He always, always made sure he came over and wished us good luck before the game. He was an inspirational guy, a good guy," Spanos added.
Rick Smith, a longtime friend of Younger, was also quoted in Farmer’s obituary on Younger.
"He was a pugnacious and feisty negotiator," Smith said. "He was a guy who came from nothing and attained a great deal, so those agents could never put anything over on Tank."
Younger, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, passed away in 2001.
