Players
Events
Cornerback

Bobby Bryant

Draft 1967

Number

20

Birthdate

1944-01-24

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

1967

Player Bio

Bobby Bryant was a former NFL cornerback who played his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his skills in pass coverage and his ability to make big plays in the secondary, Bryant was an integral part of the Vikings’ defense during one of the franchise’s most successful eras. His contributions helped the Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” defense become one of the most feared in the NFL during the 1970s.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Robert Lee Bryant
Born: March 6, 1945
Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi

High School:

  • Bryant attended Jackson High School in Jackson, Mississippi, where he excelled in football. His skills as a defensive back and overall athleticism earned him attention from college recruiters.

College:

  • He played college football at Mississippi Valley State University, where he was a standout cornerback. Bryant’s skills in coverage and his ability to create turnovers caught the attention of NFL scouts, setting the stage for his professional career.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Bobby Bryant was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 6th round of the 1968 NFL Draft (159th overall pick).

Minnesota Vikings (1968–1979)

  • Cornerback:
    • Bryant played for the Minnesota Vikings for 12 seasons from 1968 to 1979. He was a key member of the Vikings’ defense during a period of dominance in the NFL, particularly in the 1970s when the team reached four Super Bowls and consistently made deep playoff runs.
    • As a cornerback, Bryant was known for his ability to cover receivers, break up passes, and intercept the ball. He was an excellent tackler and played with a tenacious style that fit well into the Vikings’ aggressive defensive scheme.
  • Key Contributions:
    • Interceptions: Bryant was one of the most productive interception leaders in Vikings history. He finished his career with 51 interceptions, many of which came in crucial moments of games. His ability to create turnovers was a key part of the Vikings’ defense.
    • Bryant was also known for his smart play and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, which allowed him to make plays on the ball and force mistakes from opposing quarterbacks.
    • He played a crucial role in the Vikings’ secondary alongside other great defenders like Paul Krause and Carl Lee. His coverage skills helped the Vikings’ defense dominate the passing game of their opponents.
  • Vikings Success:
    • Bryant was part of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense during the team’s Super Bowl appearances in Super Bowl IV (1969), Super Bowl VIII (1974), Super Bowl IX (1975), and Super Bowl XI (1977). Although the Vikings did not win a Super Bowl during Bryant’s career, the team was consistently one of the top defensive teams in the NFL, largely due to Bryant’s playmaking ability in the secondary.
    • Bryant was also part of a Vikings defense that was known as the Purple People Eaters, a dominant defensive unit that helped the team remain competitive throughout the 1970s.

Retirement

  • Bobby Bryant retired from the NFL after the 1979 season. He left behind a legacy as one of the best cornerbacks in Vikings history, known for his consistency, leadership, and ability to change the game with his interceptions.

Post-NFL Life

  • After retiring from football, Bryant remained involved in his community and maintained a low public profile. He was active in several charitable causes and lived a quiet life away from the spotlight.

Legacy

  • Minnesota Vikings:
    • Bryant is remembered as one of the best cornerbacks in the history of the Minnesota Vikings. His ability to intercept passes and cover top receivers helped make the Vikings’ defense one of the most formidable in the NFL during his era.
    • He was part of an elite defensive group that included players like Alan Page, Carl Eller, and Gary Larsen, contributing to the Vikings’ success and making his mark as one of the franchise’s top defensive backs.
    • His 51 career interceptions still rank among the most in team history, underscoring his impact as a playmaker.

Summary

  • Position: Cornerback
  • NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings (1968–1979)
  • Career Length: 12 seasons
  • Key Contributions: Playmaker in the secondary, 51 career interceptions, strong tackler
  • Super Bowl Appearances: 4 (Super Bowl IV, VIII, IX, XI)
  • Legacy: One of the greatest cornerbacks in Minnesota Vikings history, known for his ball-hawking ability and leadership in the secondary.

Bobby Bryant’s legacy with the Minnesota Vikings is one of consistency, leadership, and skill. He was a key part of the Vikings’ defensive unit during a period of sustained success, and his playmaking ability, especially his knack for interceptions, helped define the team’s defense in the 1970s.