Bobby Bryant
Encyclopedia
Bobby Bryant was a cornerback
for the Minnesota Vikings
during the days of the Purple People Eaters
(1968–1980). Bryant was a fierce competitor despite his size (his playing weight probably never exceeded 170 pounds) leading to the nickname "Bones". Predictably, he was often injured during his career, but when healthy, he was known as a big-play cornerback, often making a key interception to win a big game or to preserve a win when it appeared the opponent was about to score. Bryant is second on the Vikings all-time list with 51 career interceptions. (Paul Krause
leads with 53). He was named to the 1975 and 1976 NFC Pro Bowl squads. He is one of 10 Vikings to have played in all four of their Super Bowl
s in the 1970s. He also played on special teams returning kicks and punts and was known for blowing kisses to the crowd.
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
for the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
during the days of the Purple People Eaters
Purple People Eaters
Purple People Eaters is a term for the defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings from the late 1960s to the late 1970s. The term is a reference to a popular song from 1958, the superb efficiency of the defense, and the color of their uniforms...
(1968–1980). Bryant was a fierce competitor despite his size (his playing weight probably never exceeded 170 pounds) leading to the nickname "Bones". Predictably, he was often injured during his career, but when healthy, he was known as a big-play cornerback, often making a key interception to win a big game or to preserve a win when it appeared the opponent was about to score. Bryant is second on the Vikings all-time list with 51 career interceptions. (Paul Krause
Paul Krause
Paul James Krause is a former American football defensive back who played in the National Football League...
leads with 53). He was named to the 1975 and 1976 NFC Pro Bowl squads. He is one of 10 Vikings to have played in all four of their Super Bowl
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
s in the 1970s. He also played on special teams returning kicks and punts and was known for blowing kisses to the crowd.