Youngblood, born in Belton, Texas, is of American Indian ancestry from the Comanche tribe but is not enrolled as a tribemember. He graduated from Belton High School in 2000; his parents insisted that he finish high school before he could do anything else.

In 2005, Youngblood moved to Los Angeles, California after touring across the United States. Youngblood made his acting debut in the 2005 film Spirit: The Seventh Fire. He was selected by Mel Gibson to play the leading role of Jaguar Paw in the epic film, Apocalypto. Youngblood did most of his own stunts in the movie. Youngblood's most commercially successful movie to date is Apocalypto.

Youngblood is also a skilled athlete specializing in equestrian, pow wow dancing, boxing, and running. As an artist, he incorporates oil and acrylic paints, prismacolors, pastels and charcoal drawing into his work.