Ron Yary is one of only 13 players in the history of the National Football League draft to have gone from being the first overall pick of a draft to earning election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

1968 - RON YARY, T, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (MINNESOTA VIKINGS)

How the Vikings landed the No. 1 pick:

The Vikings obtained the draft pick from the New York Giants in a trade that involved future Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton. The Giants, who finished 7-7 in 1967, had obtained the draft’s first pick as compensation resulting from the AFL-NFL merger agreement that included the Giants accepting the Jets as a New York entry into the new merged league starting in 1970.

Scouting Yary’s college career:

Yary transferred from Cerritos Junior College to USC as a sophomore and quickly became a key element of the Trojans’ attack. After playing defensive end his first year at USC, he was switched to offense as a junior. Yary earned All-America honors twice and in 1967 was named the Outland Trophy and Knute Rockne Award winner as the nation’s best lineman.

Rookie debut:

Yary played in all 14 games for the Vikings as a rookie but did not crack the regular starting lineup. However, he showed enough promise that year, including a fine showing against the Rams’ Deacon Jones that rave reviews about his future were flowing including an endorsement by his head coach. Bud Grant commented, “he’s going to be a superstar.”

NFL Career highlights:

Yary, a seven-time Pro Bowler, earned All-NFL honor six straight season from 1970-77. He also started in four Super Bowls and five NFL/NFC title games. HOF Bio>>>