49ers legend Bryant Young delivers powerful Hall of Fame speech

Finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, 49ers legend Bryant Young delivered an emotional tribute to his late son that’ll leave you speechless.

While there are plenty of San Francisco 49ers greats who have been absolutely adored by the fanbase over the years, few reach the level of adoration as defensive end Bryant Young.

Or, should we say, Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Bryant Young?

Yes, we should.

The four-time Pro Bowler who spent his entire 14-year career with the Niners is finally enshrined in Canton, joining the 2022 class after his final year with the squad back in 2007. No longer waiting, no longer a snub, Young is now the latest in a long line of Hall of Fame San Francisco immortals.

Young, whose 89.5 sacks rank second among the 49ers’ all-time sack leaders, never shied away from giving credit to his teammates and coaches during his career. And that selflessness is one of the reasons why he’s so adored by the fanbase.

During his induction speech, he probably made a good chunk of that fanbase shed some tears.

49ers’ Bryant Young pays tribute to late son during Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony

Fans know and see what players do on the field on any given Sunday. Those who do it well enough are bona fide Hall of Famers. All that is visible.

What’s not always visible are the challenges that can take place off the field and behind the scenes, and Niners fans surely know Young went through plenty of those challenges as well, particularly that horrifying 1998 leg injury from which he returned better than ever the following year en route to winning the 1999 Comeback Player of the Year award.

However, that’s not what Young talked about during his induction speech.

Instead, Young drew inspiration from his late son, Colby, who tragically passed away on Oct. 11, 2016, from cancer.

Yes, you’ll tear up a little bit as Young did when you watch the below video:

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1555981397378052096

Even though Young’s career had been over for years prior to his son’s passing, the grace and strength he needed to handle that tragedy are just as indicative of how he addressed the challenges of his pro career.

Probably even more indicative.

So, from all of us 49ers Faithful, we sure appreciate you and your family, Bryant Young, even more than we did when you were donning the scarlet and gold during your Pro Football Hall of Fame career.