Former San Francisco 49er Bryant Young’s emotional tribute to his son highlights Hall of Fame induction

CANTON, Ohio — Being part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2022 holds a special — and painful — meaning for former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young. It’s an emotional reminder of his son Colby, who died of cancer Oct. 11, 2016. Colby’s favorite number, his dad said during his induction speech Saturday afternoon at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, 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 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.”

Young’s speech was the most moving moment of the afternoon. Joining Young in the Hall are offensive tackle Tony Boselli, receiver Cliff Branch, safety LeRoy Butler, official Art McNally, linebacker Sam Mills, defensive lineman Richard Seymour and coach Dick Vermeil.

Young was a four-time Pro Bowler, a two-time first-team All-Pro and a member of the NFL’s All-Decade team of the 1990s. He also was the 1999 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after leading the 49ers with 11 sacks to go along with 20 quarterback pressures in his return from a broken leg.

Boselli was a five-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro and a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s before his career was cut short by a shoulder injury. He was the first pick in Jacksonville Jaguars history in 1995 (second overall) and is the first player in franchise history to be elected to the Hall of Fame.

He summed up that honor with the first four words he spoke: “Well, this is amazing.

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