EAGAN, Minn. — Bobby Bryant wasn't the biggest, fastest or most natural athlete who ever played for the Vikings, but his combination of skill, football intellect and knack for making big plays helped the cornerback carve out a place in Minnesota history.
It's a body of work that has earned Bryant recognition as the Minnesota Vikings 2024 inductee into the Ring of Honor. The ceremony will take place at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 22 when the Houston Texans come to town, one part of the team's Legends Weekend Celebration.
Bryant, the first corner and only the third defensive back to enter the Ring of Honor, came to the Vikings in 1967 as a seventh-round draft pick out of South Carolina but parlayed his opportunity into a 14-year NFL career.
“Bobby played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl seasons,” said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “He was a natural leader that teammates gravitated to, and his knack for making the big play in the biggest games was a driving force in so many Vikings wins over that time. He is worthy of this recognition.”
During a Zoom call announcing his induction, former teammate Fran Tarkenton called him the unsung hero of the Vikings dynasty. "You made more great plays than anyone I've ever played with," the Hall of Fame QB reflected. "You were the difference."
Purple People Eaters legend Alan Page was Bryant's longtime roommate, and said he was privileged for the time they spend together both on and off the field. "I want to say thank you for being who you are, and being the friend you are," Page said during the call.
Bryant played on 11 division-winning Vikings teams, starting in both Super Bowl VIII and XI. His combined 57 regular season and playoff interceptions rank first in Minnesota history, one more than safety Paul Krause. Bryant returned four of those interceptions for touchdowns.
His steady excellence was noted by both peers and journalists, with Bryant earning Second-Team All-Pro honors in 1969 and being named to the Pro Bowl following the 1975 season.
The announcement of Bobby Bryant's pending induction means 28 people have now been inducted into the Vikings' Ring of Honor.
The list also includes Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page, Jim Finks, Bud Grant, Paul Krause, Fred Zamberletti, Jim Marshall, Ron Yary, Korey Stringer, Mick Tingelhoff, Carl Eller, Cris Carter, Bill Brown, Jerry Burns, Randall McDaniel, Chuck Foreman, John Randle, Scott Studwell, Chris Doleman, Matt Blair, Joey Browner, Ahmad Rashad, Randy Moss, Dennis Green, Steve Jordan, Kevin Williams and Jared Allen.
