Farewell Bryant Young

Terry O'Keefe · Dec 24, 2007

A true Notre Dame Man.... A great players and a great human being.

With the final minute peeling off the clock Sunday, Bryant Young's teammates gathered around him and started lobbying. They wanted to put him on their shoulders and carry him to midfield, and he was balking.

"I was afraid that I might fall off," Young said later.

When he relented, Marques Douglas, Jeff Ulbrich, Derek Smith and Isaac Sopoaga hoisted him up, all 305 pounds, and Young teetered only briefly. The 49ers' fans chanted his name - well, his initials - and flashed signs and bedsheets to say goodbye.

This was almost certainly Young's final home game, and he entered and exited the stadium with more showmanship than he had displayed in all of the 14 years he spent with the 49ers. He spun and blew kisses to the crowd during introductions, which included a video tribute, and then did a semicircular lap around the stadium after the 49ers' 21-19 win over Tampa Bay. He blew more kisses, pumped his fists and applauded the people who stayed late to salute him.

He made it about them, the fans who understood how rare he was, a great athlete who stayed put his entire career, playing with dignity and intensity, and absolutely no frills. At his news conference a short time later, Young made everything about his family (gathered in the room), and teammates. He pointed out Junior Bryant, a former 49ers and Notre Dame teammate who came from Santa Monica to see his friend's final home game. Young even mentioned his ailing pastor, wishing him better health.

Young couldn't avoid the fuss entirely. This day, whether he liked it or not, was going to be about him. His teammates insisted. Jon Gruden insisted, opening his news conference with a farewell from the Buccaneers' organization. Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia met his former teammate at midfield and offered a long embrace.

The best way to laud Young always has been to turn to others and ask them about him. They usually had a hard time getting beyond cliches about integrity and work ethic, but a few interviews over the weekend yielded special thoughts and memories:
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Farwell Bryant Young

Gator Bill · Dec 24, 2007

That's a nice tribute, sounds like he is really a good guy.

Sid · Dec 24, 2007

Thanks, Terry. My son remembers him just as he is portrayed in the article, the epitome of class.

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Farewell Bryant Young

Terry O'Keefe Well-Known Member Administrator

Gator Bill Well-Known Member Administrator

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Farewell Bryant Young

Terry O'Keefe Well-Known Member Administrator

Gator Bill Well-Known Member Administrator

Sid Well-Known Member

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