Ron Yary
Inducted:
2001
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
255 lb (116 kg)
Born:
July 16, 1946
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
USC (1965–1967)
Ron Yary was one of the most reliable and technically sound offensive tackles in NFL history, anchoring the Minnesota Vikings’ line for more than a decade. Selected first overall in the 1968 NFL Draft, he became the foundation of a unit that powered the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances and multiple division titles. Yary’s strength, balance, and ability to control elite pass rushers made him one of the most respected linemen of his era.
His consistency in both run blocking and pass protection helped Minnesota field some of the league’s most physical and disciplined offenses throughout the 1970s. Known for durability and leadership, he missed very few games during his 14 seasons with the Vikings. Ron Yary’s excellence on the field earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001, honoring a career defined by dominance, longevity, and championship-level performance.
Yary's Awards and Honors
- National champion (1967)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1971–1976)
- Second-team All-Pro (1977)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1971–1977)
NFL Records
- NFL champion (1969)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- First offensive lineman selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft
NFL Teams
Minnesota Vikings (1968–1981)
Los Angeles Rams (1982)
NFL Draft:
1968: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Minnesota Vikings
Number Worn:
73
NFL Stats
Seasons:
15 (1968–1982)
Games Played:
207
Games Started:
180
Fumble recoveries:
2
Receiving Yards:
5
Reception:
1
Yards per reception:
5