‘A dream come true’: Filipino-American NFL star Camryn Bynum trains with his idol Manny Pacquiao

Filipino-American National Football League (NFL) superstar Camryn Bynum has established himself as one of the few players of Filipino heritage to make a name for himself in American football’s illustrious history.

Bynum, like many athletes with Filipino heritage, looked up to and followed Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao while growing up. So when he got the opportunity to meet and train with his idol, he immediately grabbed it.

The 26-year-old joined Pacquiao during his early morning run over the weekend and also visited the Wild Card Gym in the afternoon to train alongside the Filipino boxing legend and watch him spar.

Bynum’s mother, Jennifer, is a third-generation Filipino American who grew up in San Francisco. The NFL star revealed in a media interaction that it was an honor to finally meet Pacquiao and train with him.

“It’s just a dream come true being able to be here surrounded by somebody that has inspired every single Filipino. More than anything, seeing how hard he is working in the fight camp, with the fight coming up. He’s in here putting in the hours and the time to be the greatest. For me, as an athlete myself, that inspires me because I know I have to work just as hard as he is to be able to reach and inspire people just like he did,” Bynum said.

NFL 🤝 BOXING

Filipino-American safety Camryn Bynum of the Indianapolis Colts joins Manny Pacquiao at Griffith Park for Day 4 of training camp, bringing gridiron energy to the legendary boxer’s comeback grind.| via Maureen Muarip#OSOnTheSpot #PacquiaoBarrios #OneSports pic.twitter.com/paYfl5jmkt

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 24, 2025

At 26, Bynum was barely five months old when Pacquiao won the first of his record eight world division titles, but he confirmed that he closely followed his fellow countryman’s career, especially during its peak.

“I’d say probably the Eric Morales fights, and probably Antonio Margarito — just because he was with a bigger opponent. I thought that was super cool. He fought at Cowboys Stadium. The fact that he was able to do that, and cope with those battles and wars — more so against Margarito — that’s one of my favorites. To see him really go against a bigger opponent and test his greatness showed why he was great,” Bynum added, when asked about his favorite Pacquiao fights.

On a personal front, Bynum recently signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts after spending four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. The NFL star called for Filipino fans to support all Filipino athletes worldwide, as he has always stressed the importance of his Filipino heritage to the rest of the world.

“Continue to put God first and continue to support fellow Filipino athletes all across the world,” Bynum concluded.

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