Ron Yary is a former American football player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history. He played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams during his illustrious career. Known for his strength, athleticism, and consistent play, Yary had a significant impact on the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings in particular. Below is a detailed biography of Ron Yary’s life and career:
Early Life and College Career
Ron Yary was born on November 15, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Chicago area, where he developed his athletic skills at an early age. Yary attended St. Laurence High School and was a standout in both football and basketball. His football talent caught the attention of scouts, and he was recruited by several colleges.
Yary chose to play college football at the University of Southern California (USC), where he played for the USC Trojans. Under the guidance of legendary coach John McKay, Yary became a key player on the offensive line and helped the Trojans win the 1967 Rose Bowl and achieve national prominence.
At USC, Yary was part of a dominant offensive line that protected future NFL quarterbacks and running backs. He was known for his quickness, strength, and ability to dominate defenders. His performance at USC earned him numerous All-American honors, and he became one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the 1968 NFL Draft.
NFL Career
Minnesota Vikings (1968–1977)
Ron Yary was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 1st overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft, making him the first overall selection of that year. He quickly became a starter for the Vikings’ offensive line and made an immediate impact. Yary played for the Vikings from 1968 to 1977, and during his time with the team, he became a fixture on the offensive line, one of the most important positions on the team.
Yary was a key player on the Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” defense, which was one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. While the Vikings’ defense gained much of the attention, Yary’s offensive line play was crucial in helping the team remain a consistent playoff contender throughout the 1970s.
Yary’s ability to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running backs made him one of the most important players on the team. He was known for his balance, strength, and agility, and his blocking helped protect quarterbacks like Fran Tarkenton and Gary Cuozzo.
Over the years, Yary became known as one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. He earned 8 Pro Bowl selections and was named First-Team All-Pro 6 times (1970-1975). His reputation as a dominant blocker and his consistency made him a key player in the Vikings’ success during the 1970s.
Los Angeles Rams (1978–1981)
After 11 seasons with the Vikings, Yary was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1978, where he played for the final four seasons of his career. While he was no longer in his prime, Yary continued to provide strong leadership and solid play for the Rams’ offensive line. He retired after the 1981 season.
Although his time with the Rams was relatively short, Yary’s experience and skill helped stabilize the Rams’ offensive line during his tenure, providing mentorship for younger players.
Post-NFL Life and Legacy
After retiring from football, Ron Yary stayed involved in the game as a coach and in various other roles. He worked as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings and later became involved in football administration. Yary was also active in charity work and supporting various community initiatives.
In recognition of his remarkable career, Yary was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001, cementing his status as one of the greatest offensive linemen to ever play the game. He was also inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor and has been widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history.
Yary’s number 73 was retired by the Vikings, an honor that only a select few players in the team’s history have received. His legacy as one of the top offensive tackles in NFL history remains intact, and his contributions to the Vikings’ success in the 1970s are still remembered today.
Career Highlights and Achievements
- 8× Pro Bowl Selection (1970–1977)
- 6× First-Team All-Pro (1970–1975)
- NFL MVP (1969)
- Super Bowl Appearance: Yary played in Super Bowl IV with the Vikings, although they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor Inductee
- Retired Number 73 by the Minnesota Vikings
Playing Style and Impact
Ron Yary was known for his dominant physicality, athleticism, and ability to neutralize pass rushers. As an offensive tackle, he was a key protector of the quarterback and a key figure in the running game. Yary’s ability to excel both in pass protection and run blocking set him apart from many of his peers. His impact on the Vikings’ offense was significant, and he played a key role in the team’s successes during the 1970s.
Yary’s play helped revolutionize the offensive tackle position, and his consistency earned him a place among the NFL’s elite linemen. His leadership on the field and in the locker room helped shape the future of the Vikings and the NFL offensive line.
Personal Life
Off the field, Yary is a family man and has been involved in various business ventures. He is also known for his involvement in charitable work, including initiatives to promote youth sports and education.
In summary, Ron Yary was a Hall of Fame offensive tackle who made a lasting impact on the NFL through his consistent, dominant play. His legacy is cemented in both the Minnesota Vikings and NFL history, where he is remembered as one of the best to ever play the position.