Warren Bryant

“I enjoyed my years with the NFL, but my passion was working with the disabled. After the NFL, God blessed me to achieve that passion through supported employment programs for disabled and troubled youth of Cobb County, Georgia.” – Warren Bryant

After a decorated college career at Kentucky, Warren Bryant went on to become a dependable and durable offensive lineman during his eight years in the NFL.

Born in Miami, Florida, Bryant attended Miami Jackson High School, where his size and athleticism made him a standout in football, basketball, and track and field. He signed to play football at the University of Kentucky under head coach Fran Curci, developing into one of the nation’s premier offensive linemen.

Bryant’s senior season in 1976 ranks among the finest in Kentucky football history. That year, he was named a consensus All-American and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to the best blocker in the SEC. He played a pivotal role in leading the Wildcats to an SEC championship and a Peach Bowl victory that season. A three-time First Team All-SEC selection (1974–1976), Bryant was later inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame and honored as an SEC Living Legend. His dominant college career made him one of the top prospects heading into the 1977 NFL Draft. He graduated with a degree is special education.

The Atlanta Falcons selected him 6th Overall in first round, and he quickly became a force on their offensive line. Bryant lived up to expectations with his immediate impact at right tackle, earning a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team in 1977. Bryant played eight seasons with the Falcons (1977–1984), starting nearly every game and becoming known for his durability and ability to neutralize elite pass rushers. He was named Offensive Lineman of the year for the Falcons in 1980. In 1984, Bryant was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders in the middle of the season before retiring from professional football.

After retiring from the NFL, Bryant returned to Atlanta and began working on another one of his passions, helping the disabled. From 1987 to 2017, he lived his dream. He was also involved with the Youth Mentoring Program for Cobb County Community Service Board of Georgia for more than 20 years.

Warren Bryant passed away on October 10, 2021 at the age of 65.

Action photo from Kentucky.com. Profile photo from Legacy.com. Biography by John T. Broome.