Former San Francisco 49er Bryant Young’s Emotional Tribute to His Son Highlights Hall of Fame Induction
Former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman, Bryant Young has said that being part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 holds a special and painful meaning for him and serves as an emotional reminder of his son Colby, who died of cancer Oct. 11, 2016.
Speaking during his induction speech Saturday afternoon at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Young revealed that Colby’s favorite number was 22.
“In this, my 10th year of eligibility, I enter the Hall as a member of this ’22,” Young said, his voice cracking. “2022. 22.”
Young’s voice broke even more when he spoke about how his son, diagnosed at age 13 in 2014, bravely handled the news after being told in 2016 that the cancer had spread and the treatments were no longer working.
It was a powerful moment that caused the crowd to give Young a standing ovation.
“Colby sensed where things were headed,” Young said. “He didn’t fear death as much as the process of dying. Would it be painful? Would he be remembered?
“Colby you live on in our hearts. We will always speak your name.”
