49ers great Young inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
14-year team player gives a heartfelt tribute to his late son during ceremony
Bryant Young was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, and his acceptance speech extolled the virtues of “sacrifice, selflessness and integrity” that marked a 14-year career with the 49ers.
Young made reference to his devastating knee injury in 1998 from which he made a miraculous recovery, but was brought to tears, along with many others in the audience, with an inspirational message about a far greater loss.
Bryant Colby Young, one of six children of Bryant and Kristin Young, died of brain cancer in 2016 at age 16. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at 13, Colby had surgery to remove the tumor and was back at school eight days later.
“His spirits were good. He had the heart of a lion,” Young said.
Colby was told radiation treatments would make playing football impossible, so he concentrated on basketball instead.
“The treatments were hard. Colby showed immense courage,” Young said. “We were really hopeful, and the following October, Colby said, `Dad I have a headache.' The cancer was back.”
The cancer had spread and Colby's condition was grave.
“Colby sensed where things were heading and had questions,” Young said. “He didn't fear death as much as the process of dying. Would it be painful? Would he be remembered? We assured we would keep Colby's memory alive and continue speaking his name.
“On Oct. 16, 2016, God called Colby home. Colby, you live on in our heart,” Young said as his voice cracked with emotion. “We assured Colby we would keep his memory alive and keep speaking his name.”
Young, 50, was one of seven people enshrined at Tom Benson
Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Those who joined Young included former Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch, four-year Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour and former NFL coach, Calistoga native and San Jose State product Dick Vermeil.
Also becoming members of the Hall were tackle Tony Boselli, safety Leroy Butler, former official Art Mcnally and linebacker Sam Mills.
An eight-time winner of the 49ers' Len Eshmont Award as selected by his teammates as the most inspirational player, all of the qualities which made Young such a revered
teammate were on display during his 12 minute speech. He was understated but profound, with NFL Network broadcaster Rich Eisen calling it one of “the most beautiful, heartfelt and heartbreaking speeches I've ever heard here.”
In his 10th year of eligibility, Young got the requisite votes in part because a group of offensive linemen that faced him lobbied Hall of Fame voters in Zoom calls.
Bryant Young became the 29th 49er player to receive a gold jacket in front of fellow Hall of Famers and former teammates Steve Young and
Terrell Owens. His daughter Kai and former owner Eddie Debartolo presented him, and in the crowd were his wife Kirsten, his father Tommy and four other children.
In 14 seasons, Young set a franchise record with 891/2 sacks and as a rookie starter was a key component of the 49ers' last Super Bowl championship following the 1994 season. Young suffered a broken tibia and fibula in the 12th game of the 1998 season against the New York Giants that not only threatened his career but his ability to walk. Young made a miraculous recovery, playing all 16 games of the 1999 season and being named NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Young gave credit to his wife for helping him get through a difficult time.
”There were complications. I could have lost my leg,”
Young said. “I fought back, playing another nine seasons, but while dealing with my injury, Kirstin was pregnant with Kai. Few knew it at the time. Rather than being cared for, Kristin was caring for me. My vulnerability and loss of control were disorienting. I learned some things about trusting God, living with doubt, accepting help.”
Young closed with lessons he said he learned along the way.
“In an isolated world, personal connections matter more than ever,” he said. “I keep my gaze on Christ and pour myself into good works, including the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and I've learned to live with God's plan and timing not mine.”
Was there a message in being in the Class of 2022? Possibly. Young said 22 was “Colby's favorite number.”