Camryn Bynum wants to be the hero of his movie.
The fourth-year Vikings safety knows a thing or two about that.
"I always yell, 'My life is a movie!' and that's my mindset," Bynum said. "I want to make it a movie for these fans. I want to be the guy that's the hero, and make it fun, and be able to dance and do the worm and do other crazy celebrations. That's always my mindset. I want to be the hero of the situation."
In Week 7 last season against the favored 49ers, Bynum was the ultimate hero.
He intercepted San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy twice in the final six minutes, the second instance fastening a 22-17 Vikings upset. It was the first two-pick game of his career. On Monday Night Football.
"I had so much built-up excitement to play against the Niners," said Bynum, his anticipation amplified after missing his chance to play in front of 200-plus family and friends at San Francisco during his 2021 rookie season due to a sprained ankle.
"Even coming into it, I knew, 'I'ma ball today,' " the Cal-Berkeley product added of facing the Bay Area team. "You just have those feelings, and that was one of those games I knew it was going to happen."
Indeed, it did. Bynum's performance returned NFC Player of the Week honors, along with one of the purest moments of the 2023 NFL calendar: a unique postgame interview directing attention to his wife.
"If anybody out there can help with the visa process," Bynum pleaded in his rendezvous with NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, sweat beads and a smile stamped to his face, "I'd greatly appreciate it."
Bynum's wife, Lalaine, watched the game 13 hours ahead in the Philippines with a "Super-Niner" friend (Bynum says there's a big community of Filipinos hitched to the 49ers). She was unable to attend or celebrate in-person with her hubby in the family lounge because her visa application was denied – twice.
The stage was set now, and Cam confidently vocalized a message that was planned weeks in advance.
About the Bynum Faith Foundation, whose aim involves contributing resources to underprivileged communities in the U.S. and Philippines; Lalaine's attempts to move across the world and the couple's testimony of patience with the visa process, a serious challenge for so many people, even an NFL player.
"A few weeks before that, she had [a second] interview to get her visa and we got denied," recalled Bynum; his wife was aware – but likely forgot – of his intent to speak publicly. "After that I was like, 'All right, I've got to go crazy and be thirsty for an opportunity to try to get our story out and ask for help."
The response was instant. Boxing legend and Philippines native Manny Pacquiao was helpful in contacting immigration attorneys. Offices of Minnesota's U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar also helped.
"Everybody's offering, 'I know this person, I know this person,'" Bynum said. "It was overwhelming in a good way, but tough because at some point I was like, 'Who's actually the person with the connection?'"
The Bynums' patience endured. After all, the third time's the charm.
Lalaine reapplied, got a third interview and finally was approved. Thank yous weren't reserved for one person, or two, Bynum admitted. The reaction, spurred by his truthfulness, came from every direction.
"Who knows if the people interviewing her saw it on the news outlets and decided 'OK, let's bless them,' " Bynum wondered. "It wasn't just me being granted a hookup because I'm an NFL player. No, we went through it for a year-and-a-half. Hopefully, that helped other people realize it's actually a struggle.
"It was all God, the way he lined it up," Bynum added. "Everything was perfect."
A heart to serve
The irony of Bynum's circumstances last fall is he's usually the one helping, not asking.
He tries to live by his faith in Jesus, to be an example to other people. His purpose is crystal clear. He wants to maximize his platform as an ascending player in the league to be a blessing. To make a difference.
"That's one of my biggest whys," Bynum said. "Everything I do, I want to give it all back."
He mentions football isn't his be-all. He said he loves it endlessly, but that it's a means to deliver on his earnest vision of "serving people and being able to spread God's love." His heart's always beaten that way. Traveling and experiencing more of the world as a rookie, Bynum expressed, multiplied his intent by 10.
He gained perspective after witnessing a level of poverty nonexistent in the U.S. He observed people living with way less but was inspired by their happiness despite hardships. It struck a chord with his faith.
"Not that faith, or Jesus, promises that life will be easy, but you have hope at the end of it all," said Bynum, underlining his goal to impart that message. "It can change their lives because it changed my life.
"I'm a quote-unquote celebrity but I'm accessible," added Bynum. "I'm not somebody that's too big for other people. I'll help you. I'll stop on the streets. That's how I believe everybody should be because at the end of the day we're all human."
Money, like the platform football provides, is a means to help.
Personal experiences aren't Bynum's priority. He wants to share his blessings and pay them forward.
"That's what I'll do every single day," promised Bynum, determined to put earnings toward his foundation and future travels, so his helping hand touches more people. "That's really how I like to live."
Welcome to the NFL
Vikings players were literally in the dark.
Bynum kept his wife's debut at U.S. Bank Stadium under wraps until he and his teammates were in the tunnel Nov. 12, getting psyched for their first home game since shocking San Francisco.
"I told them, 'Hey, y'all, I've got an announcement: My wife is here!' Then we started turning up," Bynum laughed, remembering his emotional embrace with Lalaine before Minnesota defeated New Orleans 27-19.
There were a lot of firsts in that game. First pregame hug and kiss. ("We're not doing a handshake until we can think of something fire!") First impression of NFL football. ("She was shook!")
First time on the giant video board. First ball tossed to Lalaine in the stands.
Early in the fourth quarter, Bynum had an apparent interception off Saints quarterback Jameis Winston.
With 17 teammates dancing behind him, Bynum dashed for the front row in the southeast corner of the end zone. His brother executed a ploy to rush Lalaine to the railing when – not if – Bynum intercepted a pass.
Lalaine got her "Welcome to the NFL" moment. And she definitely kept the ball despite the play's reversal.
"I didn't care," Bynum said of the interception being overturned. "She didn't know better."
With Lalaine stateside, Bynum has an easier time focusing on football. The support system is the highlight. After good or bad games, "It's still the same love," he said. There's no distance to be down.
Bynum attests that it's an easier go for Lalaine, too. She gets to bond with his parents at games and tap into relationships with other Vikings families. She can experience the life she heard about over the phone, which includes getting to know all types of staff members at U.S. Bank Stadium, many of whom know Cam's mom.
The toughest part of their retired together-but-separate routine was the battle against time. There were sacrifices. Bynum had to perform so he could provide but was bent on giving his undivided attention.
"That's non-negotiable because that's my wife. That's first, always, before anything," Bynum replied.
Bynum said his game-day routine hasn't changed much with Lalaine here. He eats breakfast and takes a quick nap then goes to the stadium. She can see him be the hero in person instead of online.
On the edge of your seat
The 26-year-old who played cornerback in 42 games at Cal before converting to safety said it is important to be on edge but comfortable during 2-minute settings and one-possession affairs.
He has logged defensive snaps in 44 of the 49 games he's played and recorded five interceptions.
"You do not want to be the guy to blow it," stated Bynum, adding his goal of locking in for the game is compounded by urgency in crunch time. "It's not a fear of failure, but it's like 'Dang, I could be a hero.' "
He repeats to himself: "Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games."
"That phrase," Bynum sighed, "I love."
Bynum epitomized Mr. Big Time in Minnesota's victory over the eventual NFC Champion 49ers. He was guided by specific recognition of San Francisco's tight receiver splits and a humble case of self-correcting.
The Vikings players and coaches moved past being home underdogs against a team that was drawing plenty of deserved accolades.
"My mindset was like, 'All right, bet you guys are counting us out,'" Bynum recalled. "In my mind I'm like, 'I've got to be the hero this week,' and that's how I feel every week, but especially against the Niners."
The personal rivalry layer is worth repeating. A side of Bynum's family grew up as 49ers fans. He went to school approximately 90 minutes from San Francisco's stomping grounds. He missed the fun in 2021.
"It was just crazy that the two routes, the two opportunities that I drew up in my notebook," Bynum shared, "were ones that I capitalized on. … The first pick I made, I messed that up earlier in the game."
The interception in reference, with 5:30 left, happened largely because Bynum fixed his alignment when San Francisco came out in a certain formation. Bynum confessed he was set up too far to the wrong side – the half of the field that was opposite San Francisco's top receiver Brandon Aiyuk – on play No. 19. The result was a catch and tackle, and a critical mental note. When the 49ers deployed the same formation late in the fourth quarter – in Bynum's time-to-be-a-hero window – he was shaded closer to Aiyuk's side.
Bynum expected Aiyuk to run a glance route, aka a quick post, or a speed out. He was right. Bynum revealed he got the pick on the exact same play design, sitting in Aiyuk's space, baiting Purdy to throw the ball to Jauan Jennings. Boom!
Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.
Bynum beat Jennings to the landmark and dove to intercept a slight overthrow.
The win-clinching pick also showed Bynum's football IQ. He had it bookmarked as the Niners go-to play.
"The coolest thing you can do is win, so winning is always first," Bynum answered when prompted to share what scene of his hero story comes next. "Balling out and letting that speak for itself."
He nodded to the bigger picture, again, then retreated to the indoor practice facility to put in more work.
"Balling out equals wins," Bynum clarified, "and wins equal more opportunities to help people."
