Young played college football for the University of Texas at El Paso, and professionally for the St. Louis Rams and New Orleans Saints of the NFL.

The following year, he became a starter for the Rams, he recorded 40 tackles and 6.5 sacks and intercepted a pass for the NFC Champions.

On November 9, 2003, Young tied an NFL record with three fumble recoveries against the Baltimore Ravens and was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

[4] On March 11, 2004, Young signed a four-year, $10 million free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints.

On February 29, 2008, the Saints re-signed DT Brian Young to a three-year, $12 million contract.

On July 10, 2009, KTSM-TV, also known as NewsChannel 9, the NBC affiliate based in El Paso, Texas reported that he had retired from the NFL due to his injuries and was considering going into coaching.