Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament: (7) Tommy Kramer vs (10) Bobby Bryant

This is the final first round match-up in our Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament. . .and I'll be honest, when I put the seedings together, this is the one that caught my eye as potentially being the most interesting. One of the best quarterbacks in Vikings history takes on the guy that could, quite easily, lay claim to being the best cornerback in franchise history.

Tommy Kramer

Alma Mater: Rice University
Acquired by Vikings: Round 1, 1977 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 13 (1977-1989)
Position: Quarterback

"Two-Minute" Tommy was drafted by the Vikings in 1977, and took over as the Vikings' starter when Fran Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season. He had a flair for the dramatic, as his nickname might suggest. He was injured a lot, and only managed to play 16 games in a season one time. . .his first year as a starter. He was named the co-Comeback Player of the Year in 1986 (sharing the award with some guy named Joe Montana). He was the first quarterback in National Football League history to throw for 450 yards in a game twice, the first of which came in the famous "Hail Mary" game against the Cleveland Browns in 1980. He did it again in a 44-38 loss to the Washington Redskins in 1986, when he threw for 490 yards. Overall, Kramer is second to Tarkenton in every major passing category in Vikings history.

Yeah, that's the same clip I used for Ahmad Rashad. It's really, really awesome.

Bobby Bryant

Alma Mater: University of South Carolina
Acquired by Vikings: Round 7, 1967 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 14 (1967-1980)
Position: Cornerback

In terms of pass coverage ability, Bobby Bryant might be the best cornerback to ever wear the purple and gold. In his career with the Vikings, he tallied 51 interceptions, putting him second in team history behind Paul Krause's 53. Another of the ten Vikings to play in all four of Minnesota's Super Bowl appearances, he was nicknamed "Bones" because of his slight build. He was listed at 6'1" and 170 pounds. . .I'd guess he was probably closer to 160 than 170. That caused him to miss some games over his career, but when he was on the field he was a difference maker. A Pro Bowl selection in 1975 and 1976, Bryant also returned punts and kicks for the Vikings in addition to his duties in the secondary.

Sadly, I can't find a good video of Bobby Bryant to post, so again I'll refer you to Vikings.com for his 50 Greatest Vikings bio video.

Here's a review of how the voting process works, folks.

-If you want to vote for Tommy Kramer, rec the comment that says, "Vote - Tommy Kramer"
-If you want to vote for Bobby Bryant, rec the comment that says, "Vote - Bobby Bryant"

Don't rec both comments. . .we're on the honor system here, folks. Although I don't know why you'd rec both anyway. . .you'd end up just canceling yourself out.

Please do not reply to either of the top two comments. . .if you want to debate or make your case or what have you, feel free to do so underneath those top two comments. Remember. . .only recs count, so make sure that's how you register your vote.

The voting will remain open until 8 AM Central time tomorrow, at which point the next two match-ups will be posted.

Have at it, everybody!