When I watched my favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers in the early 90’s I remember thinking how strong Bryant Young was on the field. After I interviewed him I found that he is one of the strongest people off the field. Bryant and his wife, Kristen are blessed with six children. Sadly Bryant lost his son, Colby to cancer. Through family and faith Bryant was able to be there for his family during that devastating time.

Bryant was kind enough to talk with me about fatherhood, his son, Colby’s battle with cancer and his time in the NFL. I want to thank Bryant for his courage in speaking with me on my podcast. It was an honor to talk with him.

About Bryant Young

Drafted with the seventh overall selection in 1994 draft, Young was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1994 after leading all 49ers defensive linemen with 49 tackles and totaled six sacks. He started all 16 games and helped San Francisco claim its fifth Super Bowl championship.

Young suffered devastating fractures to his tibia and fibula in 1998, ending his season after the 12th week of action with Young leading all defensive tackles in the NFL in sacks that season. Undeterred, he regained his previous form in 1999 and tallied 11 sacks en route to his second Pro Bowl selection. Young was honored for his season when he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year for 1999.

His excellence was not just limited to on the field performance as Young was recipient of the team’s Len Eshmont Award, symbolic of the player who best exemplifies courage and leadership, an astonishing eight times including each of his final four seasons. Prior to Young, no other member of the 49ers had ever won the honor more than twice.

A native of Chicago Heights, Ill., Bryant Colby Young was born Jan. 27, 1972, and graduated from Bloom Township High School. He graduated in 1994 with a marketing degree from Notre Dame. Young’s wife, Kristen, also graduated from Notre Dame in 1994 and have six children.