8 Things to Know About Minnesota Viking Camryn Bynum
Photos Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
We all know that basketball is by far, the most popular and loved sport in the Philippines. But American Football may just become a new passion for us Filipinos now that we get to root for and watch the exciting Camryn Bynum. The National Football League (NFL) Minnesota Vikings Safety, Camryn Bynum, was drafted in the 4th round of the 2021 draft, making him the 125th overall pick. If you didn’t already know, he is one of the few Filipino-Americans in the NFL. If you saw his game winning interception during the Jets game last November, you would have seen the largest public display of Filipino representation. Bynum rocked the Filipino flag on his towel, cleats, and even wore the Filipino flag as a cape. Literally, putting his country on his back! He is a proud Filipino-American and wants to bring the excitement of the NFL to the Philippines and around the world.
As a southern California native, Cal Alumni, and avid sports fan, I am super excited to share some interesting facts about this budding superstar.
1. He’s a Southern California Kid
Bynum’s hometown is Corona, California, where he attended Centennial High School. In his own words, he referred to himself as a “little Filipino boy, that didn’t look like a very good football player but I kept working hard”. Eventually, he started playing varsity football in his junior year.
2. He’s also Cal Alumni
Go Bears! Bynum graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in December 2020 with a degree in Business. He is also the only Golden Bear to start in all 42 football games from 2017 to 2020. Throughout his entire Cal career, he was a cornerback. He made a successful transition to safety once he joined the NFL.
3. The Bang Bang Niner Gang Shows Up Whenever He Plays
Bynum’s mother, Jennifer, is of Filipino descent. She is a third generation Filipino-American and grew up in San Francisco. When Bynum’s grandmother died, their family dedicated a tile for her memory at the 49ers stadium. On November 28, 2022, the Vikings played against the 49ers. Bynum had the biggest crowd support out of any player on both teams! Approximately 200 of his friends and family came to Santa Clara to cheer him on (even though many of them are 49ers fans). And so it began, his large group of fans watch him play in person whenever they can…and they bring numbers!!
4. He’s also Team Sinigang Gang
In his post-game interview against the Jets, Bynum mentioned that his favorite Filipino food is sinigang. Specifically, pork sinigang followed by chicken adobo. He is also fond of calamansi shakes.
5. He’s a Big Kobe Bryant Fan
Prior to joining the Vikings as number 43, Bynum wore the number 24 since he was in the fifth grade. Bynum’s back to rocking number 24 in purple and gold, just like his inspiration, the late Kobe Bryant. The Mamba Mentality lives on!
6. He Began to Learn Playing the Piano Last Year
During the covid pandemic, Bynum pursued his interest in music. He took piano lessons and performed in his first piano recital using a Steinway and Sons piano (his dream piano). His goal is to learn a song in every genre.
7. He’s an Activist
Bynum has an outreach program to help victims of Typhoon Megi in Leyte (where his great grandmother traces her roots to). Bynum had never gone to the Philippines until the summer of 2022 for his outreach efforts. He also donated $10,000 of his own money to help fund the outreach.
During Week 13, NFL players wear customized cleats in honor of the causes they have chosen to support through My Cause My Cleats. Bynum supports the New Life Community Care Foundation, Inc. His cleats included designs of the Filipino flag and sun, and music notes to represent his Filipino roots.
Bynum is currently running a GoFundMe campaign benefitting Keys to Freedom Ministries to fund other outreach efforts taking place in the Philippines. Click here if you’re interested in learning more or donating to the campaign.
8. He’s Man of Faith
Above all, Bynum is a believer. In his Instagram posts and interviews, he references Bible verses and always gives glory to God. He’s a man of his word, and he is a man of action. He walks the talk.
There you have it! If you get a chance to watch Camryn in person, go! You’ll be sure to see how exciting and impressive this young football star’s game is, and if you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see him wave the Philippine flag proudly.
Written By Jennifer Redondo
Co-Founder and Co-Author of In Her Purpose
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