By By DC Brooks
University alumnus Ricky Bryant experienced the rush during the biggest game in football as a member of the New England Patriots. Super Bowl XXXIX commanded players to pull up their socks for a once in a lifetime chance for glory.
“It is one of the best experiences in my career,” Bryant said. “Knowing you’re about to get a Super Bowl ring with high caliber guys is truly a blessing.”
Participating in the Super Bowl was not always pretty for New England. Bryant’s description of practice leading to the game sounded similar to a mild form of boot camp.
“We practiced everyday in better weather and we had curfew every night,” Bryant said. “Coach [Bill] Belichick was there for business…partying came after the Super Bowl.”
But while winning the Super Bowl was comparable to heaven for many players, the struggle and temptation leading up to the big game remained as another obstacle. But Bryant continued to shine while striving to overpower any barrier that towered in his way.
“I have more time on my hands,” Bryant said. “It’s keeping that foundation and having a spiritual relationship with God…that what keeps me focused.”
Church kept Bryant grounded while helping him develop a keen sense of decision-making.
With a devout religious background growing up in the Pentecostal church in Detroit, Mich., Bryant understood the blessing of talent could land him in jeopardy in a millisecond. “Sometimes you fall into the trap, but I won’t betray Him if I can help it,” assured Bryant, cautiously.
Ricky Bryant, a native of Farmington Hills, Michigan, was born on March 24, 1981. The youngest of two brothers, Donald and Kevin , Ricky found his calling to football in the third grade. His brothers’ success in high school also influenced him, but pressure lurked around the corner as expectation followed.
Donald Bryant was an All-American in high school and received a scholarship from Michigan State University for track. Subsequently, Kevin Bryant was also an All-American in high school for football and attended the University of Michigan. The success from them meant well to the naked eye, but the achievements had also cast a burden to their younger brother.
“The hardest thing for me was living up to expectations and following their footsteps which was harder for me growing up,” the youngest Bryant said.
Bryant attended Harrison High School and graduated in 1999. During his stay at Harrison he helped his school win the Michigan state football title consecutively in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Bryant also scored 33 touchdowns in a season, which had set an all-school record.
He committed to Ohio State University, which was a satisfying distance from home, under the coaching of John Cooper. “It was a great program and I always wanted to play under [John] Cooper,” Bryant said
But when Ohio State fired Cooper in 2001 that severed the bond Bryant shared with the school, leading Bryant to transfer to the University to contribute to the Pride’s offensive attack. Bryant caught 67 passes for 793 yards and four touchdowns in 2002. The following year Bryant recorded 60 receptions for 897 yards and three touchdowns. He currently ranks ninth on the Pride’s all-time career reception list with 127 and tenth in receiving yards.
The move from Columbus, Ohio to Hempstead wasn’t a seamless transition. The departure forced Bryant to adjust from the slow, quiet atmosphere of Columbus to the grind and grit of the New York metropolitan area.
“Just picking up and leaving was hard. Both [Columbus and New York] cities are different because of the faster pace and the cost of living because I lived off campus,” Bryant said, slowly choosing his words.
Bryant was also one of five players who were invited to a tryout in May 2004 for a New England Patriots mini-camp. The Patriots would later sign him to a free agent contract along with another player who attended the camp. “[I got there by] hard work and I put up the numbers,” said Bryant. “I ran a [4.4-second 40-yard dash] in the pro combine at Ohio State and NFL scouts were impressed.”
Scouts described Bryant as a quick, elusive pass-catcher who fitted best as a slot receiver. Bryant also had the ability to beat his defender while possessing good hands when catching the ball in mid air with great extension. Bryant’s yardage after the pass also impressed scouts with juke moves leaving defenders scrambling for tackles. The downside of his game is his inability to stretch the field to leave other receivers open with the lack of deep speed.
Art Weiss, Bryant’s agent, felt New England was a better fit for his client. Bryant held the freedom to sign with any team that fit his playing interests. But the relationship between New England and Bryant resembled that of a confused couple.
Bryant signed as an undrafted free agent by New England in May 2004. Then New England released him in July, but resigned Bryant a month later only to release him in September. And finally, New England re-signed Bryant to their practice squad December.
The rollercoaster ride can put a strain on the average player, but Bryant understood that business is never personal. “It’s a business relationship,” Bryant said. “I wouldn’t say it’s good or bad. When they let me go I expected it.”
After officially signing with the Patriots, Bryant scored his first NFL touchdown in a preseason game, ironically, against the Philadelphia Eagles. He ran a post route for a 32-yard touchdown.
To sharpen his skills, Bryant is scheduled to play football in the NFL Europe league for the Hamburg Seagulls of Germany. This marks the first time he will play overseas as New England has to send at least six players for the European league. “I’m not only playing for the Patriots but I’m also auditioning for other teams,” Bryant said.
Bryant is ready to unleash the caged beast after experiencing the star-studded event. “[The Super Bowl] really didn’t hit me until I got back [home]…seeing all the celebrities and just being there, too,” Bryant said.
Bryant shouldn’t have a problem adjusting to the gladiator sport called football under the guidance of receivers David Patten and Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch. “My goal is to continue to get better and stay in the league as long as I can.”
And a blessing that is.
Ricky Bryant spent two years with the Pride before leaving for the NFL. He spent this past season with the World Champion New England Patriots. (Photo Courtesy Athletic Dept.)