© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Vikings Safety Camryn Bynum Challenges Attack Dog -- for Fun
Former Cal star and current Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum shares the video of his recent attempt to avoid the tackle of an Army working dog
Former Cal standout Camryn Bynum has established himself as a trusty tackler as a starting safety for the Minnesota Vikings. But recently Bynum took on the challenge – and the fun – of trying to avoid being tackled by a four-legged defender.
Bynum agreed to encase himself in layers of padded protective covering as he tried to evade a U.S. Army’s military working dog as long as possible.
Bynum didn’t last long, then blamed a lack of traction for his short challenge in what appeared to be a clear victory by the dog. Bynum provided the video evidence of his defeat on his Twitter site. (Yes, that's Bynum under all that padding.):
The Army claimed its victory and noted its appreciation, and Bynum suggested he’d like to try again.
Bynum demonstrated his ability as a pro-football tackler during the 2023 season. He recorded 137 tackles, the most by any non-linebacker in the NFL. And he was the star of the Viking 22-17 victory over the 49ers when he intercepted two passes in the fourth quarter.
However, the high point of his season came in November when his wife, Lalaine, was finally able to see him play in person.
Lalaine had been in the Philippines and was unable to get a visa to come to the United States to join Bynum. But he had used some of his time during a postgame TV interview several weeks earlier to ask for help in getting her visa.
The video went viral, and Minnesota senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith reached out to Bynum to say they would try to help bring Lalaine to this country to see him play.
It worked, and she arrived to see Camryn play against the New Orleans Saints. (Bynum is of Filipino descent on his mother's side.)
Bynum’s next mission is to make the Pro Bowl roster. Despite his 137 tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles, Bynum did not make the Pro Bowl in 2023, which was his third year in the NFL. But he started all 34 regular-season games the past two seasons and has successfully made the transition to pro safety after being a cornerback at Cal.
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