Red Bryant

Born and raised in Jasper, Texas, Bryant graduated from Jasper High School in 2003.{{Cite web |title=Red Bryant |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/redbryant/200/profile |access-date=October 3, 2012 |publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC}} where he was a three-sport star in football, basketball, and track. In football, he was named the District Defensive Player of the Year as well as the Southeast Texas Defensive Player of the Year by The Beaumont Enterprise as a sophomore. As a junior, he made 94 tackles and forced 10 sacks. In his senior year, he earned District and Golden Triangle Defensive MVP honors. He was also selected to the first-team Division 3A All-state team by the Texas Sports Writers Association, and was a finalist for the Willie Ray Smith Award, which is presented to the top offensive and defensive players in Southeast Texas.{{Cite press release |title=Red Bryant |publisher=Texas A&M Athletics |url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/bios.php?SID=MFB&PID=7153&YOS=2007 |access-date=February 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214053218/http://www.aggieathletics.com/bios.php?SID=MFB&PID=7153&YOS=2007 |archive-date=February 14, 2008}}

Also an standout track & field athlete, Bryant was one of the state's top performers in the throwing events. He captured the state title in the shot put event at the 2003 UIL T&F Championships, recording a career-best throw of 62 ft 10 in (19.20 m).{{Cite web |title=Joseph Bryant - Stats |url=http://tx.milesplit.com/athletes/8092-joseph-bryant/feed#.VF-yGslAlx0 |website=Texas MileSplit}} He also competed in the discus throw (top-throw of 158 ft 4 in).{{Cite web |title=Red Bryant | Texas A&M | Seahawks DE |url=https://www.trackingfootball.com/players/red-bryant-7498/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109200556/https://www.trackingfootball.com/players/red-bryant-7498/ |archive-date=November 9, 2014 |access-date=November 9, 2014}} In addition, he also ran the 40-yard dash under 5 seconds, bench-pressed 350 pounds and squatted 520.

When it came to college recruiting, Rivals.com gave him a 3-star rating and ranked him No. 83 out of all the Texas players in his 2003 recruiting class. He was recruited for college play by Texas A&M, Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Texas. He chose to sign with Texas A&M to play for head coach Dennis Franchione.{{Cite web |title=Joseph Bryant |url=http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=8995 |publisher=Rivals.com}}

In his first season at Texas A&M in 2003, though Bryant was redshirted, he was named a team captain. In his freshman season, he became a defensive tackle and started in all games. He earned All-American and All-Big 12 honors from The Gridiron Report after making 34 tackles (3.5 of which led to a loss of nine yards), two deflected passes, and a blocked kick. In 33 defensive plays against the option, he was able to hold the opposing team down to 1.85 yards per carry.{{Cite web |title=Red Bryant |url=http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/draft/559795 |access-date=February 26, 2008 |website=NFLDraftScout.com |publisher=CBS Sports}}

In his sophomore season, he started in 10 games, but saw action in all 11. He produced 28 tackles, 7.5 of which led to a loss of yardage, forced two fumbles and three sacks. In 31 plays against the option, he held opposing teams to a minus-27 yards, or minus-0.87-yard average. The Texas A&M defense, however, finished the 2004 season ranked 107th out of 119 Division I teams, after allowing 443.82 offensive yards per game.{{Cite web |title=2005 Division I-A Team Report:Total Defense |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2005&div=4&rpt=IA_teamtotdef&site=org |publisher=NCAA}}

In his junior season, he was voted a permanent team captain. He started in 8 games and played in nine before agreeing to end his season by having surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament that he tore. He produced a total of 19 tackles, 1 sack, 1 blocked kick, and 5 pass blocks. When he was benched in the final five games of the season, the Aggie defense gave up 229.2 rushing yards. However, at the end of the season, the defense improved to a national ranking of 46, after allowing 322.62 offensive yards per game.{{Cite web |title=2006 Division I-A Team Report:Total Defense |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2006&div=4&rpt=IA_teamtotdef&site=org |publisher=NCAA}}

In his senior season, Bryant recorded 41 tackles, 1 sack that led to a safety, 1 field goal block that led to a touchdown drive, and six stops for losses of 19 yards. In the team's first ten games, he allowed only 43 rushing yards on 42 plays directed at him. The Aggie defense had allowed 160.9 yards per game overall.{{Cite web |title=2007 Division I-A Team Report:Rush Defense |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2007&div=4&rpt=IA_teamrushdef&site=org |publisher=NCAA}} Along with eight of his Aggie teammates, Bryant received an all-Big 12 Honorable Mention.{{Cite press release |title=2007 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced |date=November 27, 2007 |publisher=Big 12 Sports |url=http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112707aaf.html |access-date=November 27, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070729134724/http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112707aaf.html |archive-date=July 29, 2007}}

After completing his senior season play, Bryant participated in the 2008 Senior Bowl, playing for the South team. At one of the practices prior to the game, he got into a fight with teammate Chris Williams, causing the coaches to break it up.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D90AI9A80.html|title=Seahawks go for DT in 4th round}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/SPORTS/801240322/1006|title=LSU's star WR returns to Baton Rouge to rehab hamstring injury}} In the game, he recovered one fumble made by quarterback John David Booty.{{Cite web|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles|title=Philadelphia Eagles NFL Football News|website=247Sports}} The South team won the game 17–16.

{{nfl predraft

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| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/red-bryant/32004252-5951-2697-8a28-7849b77dd595 |title=Red Bryant Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=November 15, 2021}}{{Cite web |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=8859&DraftYear=2008 |title=Red Bryant, Texas AM, DT, 2008 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=November 15, 2021}}

}}

He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Tim Ruskell, the president of the Seahawks, commented: "We're real happy to get Red Bryant. He fills a need for us. This is a big man that can stuff the middle. Coach (Mike) Holmgren has always looked for that guy, and I think we found him with Red." On July 18, he agreed to a contract with the team.

In late July 2008, Bryant injured cartilage in his left knee during one the Seahawks' training camp practices. He underwent surgery{{Cite web |date=2008-08-01 |title=Injured Seahawks rookie DT Bryant to miss month |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3514962 |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}} and was able to play in Week 1.{{Cite news |date=October 26, 2008 |title=Mike Holmgren trying to find a spark for Seahawks |work=The Seattle Times |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2008311549_hawk26.html}}{{Cite news |title=Bad Seahawks become plain boring |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/512/story/513274.html}}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

He sprained his ankle in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 2, 2008.{{Cite news |title=Two sure things: Kerney, Hasselbeck will miss Miami |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/527834.html}}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In his rookie season, he recorded 8 total tackles, and was inactive for 12 games.{{Cite news |date=December 29, 2008 |title=Seneca Wallace's streak without an interception ends |work=The Seattle Times |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2008568364_hawknotes29.html}} In the 2009 season, he compiled 8 more tackles and was inactive for 10 games. During the 2010 offseason, he was moved to defensive end by head coach Pete Carroll.{{Cite news |last=Johns |first=Greg |date=August 2, 2010 |title=Red Bryant: Big man with big plans for Seahawks |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/archives/216596.asp |access-date=August 9, 2010 |archive-date=August 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806014753/http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/archives/216596.asp |url-status=dead }}

In 2010, Bryant was injured during a week 8 contest against the Oakland Raiders in the 1st half of the game. After the game, Bryant was placed on Injured Reserve for the remainder of the season.

In the 2011 season, he blocked four kicks, breaking the franchise single-season record.{{Cite web|title=Seahawks.com Blog - Game at a glance|date=November 28, 2011|url=http://blog.seahawks.com/2011/11/27/game-at-a-glance-50/|access-date=November 28, 2011|archive-date=April 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426005505/http://blog.seahawks.com/2011/11/27/game-at-a-glance-50/|url-status=dead}} In week 15 against the Chicago Bears, Bryant had an interception returned for a touchdown after an attempt by Caleb Hanie of the Bears to get the ball away after being pressured. Just before the Seahawks last home game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, December 24 began, Bryant was presented with the club's Steve Largent Award. The Steve Largent Award is given by the Seahawks annually to the team contributor(s) best exemplifying the spirit, dedication, and integrity of former Seahawk wide receiver Steve Largent.{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2011 |title=All in the family |url=http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/All-in-the-family/3289bf43-4870-49b3-a1c2-d3d5642b9e37 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110044736/http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/All-in-the-family/3289bf43-4870-49b3-a1c2-d3d5642b9e37 |archive-date=January 10, 2012 |access-date=December 27, 2011}}

On March 13, 2012, the Seahawks re-signed Bryant to a five-year, $35 million deal with $14.5 million in guaranteed money.{{Cite web |date=2012-03-13 |title=Sources: Seahawks retain DE Bryant for $35M |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7682923/2012-nfl-free-agency-seattle-seahawks-re-sign-red-bryant-five-years-35m-sources-say |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}} In 2012, he started all 16 games making 24 tackles and 3 passes defended. On December 23, in the Seahawks' 42–13 win over the San Francisco 49ers, Bryant blocked a 21-yard field goal attempt by the 49ers' David Akers, and the Seahawks' Richard Sherman returned the blocked kick 90 yards for a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks - December 23rd, 2012 - Pro-Football-Reference.com |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212230sea.htm |website=Pro Football Reference}}

Prior to the 2013 season, Bryant adjusted his diet and sleeping habit to become a better player.{{Cite web|url=http://seattletimes.com/html/jerrybrewer/2021622736_brewer16xml.html|title=After a big payday, Red Bryant is staying hungry for the Seahawks}} Bryant was the defensive team captain during the 2012–13 seasons.{{Cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Paul |date=February 2, 2014 |title=Bryant's Seahawks headed to game wife's father never reached |work=New York Post |url=https://nypost.com/2014/02/02/bryants-seahawks-headed-to-game-wifes-father-never-reached/}} In 2013, Bryant recorded 1.5 sacks on 34 combines tackles and a pass defended. His efforts helped the Seahawks into Super Bowl XLVIII where their #1 NFL-ranked defense defeated the Denver Broncos 43–8 for their first franchise championship.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLVIII - Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos - February 2nd, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201402020den.htm |access-date=November 3, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Rumors had been circulating for over a week that the Seahawks would release Bryant, and on February 28, 2014, the Seahawks officially announced his release along with wide receiver Sidney Rice. Both moves cleared more than $12 million in cap space for the upcoming season.

On March 8, 2014, Bryant signed a four-year, $17 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, uniting him with his former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.{{cite web | last=DiRocco | first=Michael | title=Jags, ex-Seahawk Bryant reach 4-year deal | website=ESPN.com | date=2014-03-08 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10573738/red-bryant-jacksonville-jaguars-agree-four-year-deal | access-date=2024-10-14}} Starting all 16 games in 2014, he made 23 tackles with 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. On March 12, 2015, he was released by the Jaguars.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=March 12, 2015 |title=Jacksonville Jaguars release Red Bryant |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jacksonville-jaguars-release-red-bryant-0ap3000000478449 |access-date=March 12, 2015 |website=NFL.com}}

Bryant signed with the Buffalo Bills in August 2015 and was released on September 5, 2015.

On November 26, 2015, Bryant signed with the Arizona Cardinals. In six games of 2015, he made five tackles. On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Cardinals as part of the final roster cuts.{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |title=Final Cuts Take Cardinals to 53 |url=http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Final-Cuts-Take-Cardinals-to-53/fe31c599-c57f-4919-a868-f054b34ac7e9 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818220942/http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Final-Cuts-Take-Cardinals-to-53/fe31c599-c57f-4919-a868-f054b34ac7e9 |archive-date=August 18, 2017 |website=AZCardinals.com}}

In December 2007, Bryant graduated from Texas A&M, receiving a degree in agricultural leadership and development. He believes that this was his greatest and most fulfilling achievement. He is also the first college graduate in his immediate family.{{Cite news |last=Purdy, Georgia |date=March 19, 2008 |title=Bryant: 'Take advantage of your education' |publisher=The Jasper Newsboy |url=http://www.jaspernewsboy.com/news/2008/0319/Front_Page/005.html |url-status=dead |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516224208/http://www.jaspernewsboy.com/news/2008/0319/front_page/005.html |archive-date=May 16, 2008}} He also overcame dyslexia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/seahawks-bryant-keeps-it-in-the-family/|title=SEAHAWKS: Bryant keeps it in the family|date=April 27, 2008|website=HeraldNet.com}}

On February 29, 2009, Bryant married Janelle Green, who is the daughter of former Texas A&M and Seattle Seahawks player Jacob Green.{{Cite news |last=Farnsworth |first=Clare |date=April 27, 2008 |title=Bryant's selection in fourth round brings smile to all faces |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/360842_hawkbar28.html}}{{Cite news |title=Did Seahawks Get Green Light to Draft Red? |url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/apr/27/did-seahawks-get-green-light-to-draft-red/ |access-date=April 28, 2008 |archive-date=May 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501204051/http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/apr/27/did-seahawks-get-green-light-to-draft-red/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_fbn_seahawks_bryant.html|title=Red Bryant fitting in with Seahawks}}{{Cite news |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |date=April 28, 2008 |title=Seahawks connection will be all in the family for draft pick Red Bryant |work=The Seattle Times |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2004377776_hawknotes28.html}} Janelle played for the Texas A&M soccer team from 2002 to 2005.{{Cite news |title=Jannelle Green |url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/bios.php?SID=WSO&PID=183&YOS=2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060217212531/http://www.aggieathletics.com/bios.php?YOS=2005&SID=WSO&PID=183 |archive-date=February 17, 2006}}

According to Bryant, he got the nickname "Red" because "his mom said that (he) was a red baby."{{Cite news |title=Seahawks add color to roster |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/346471.html}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{NFL.com player}}
• [http://tamu.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=46283 Texas A&M Aggies bio]
• [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaRe99.htm Pro-Football-Reference.Com]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoU5Mg7N-fU "Red Bryant On The Special Bond Of The 2013 Seahawks, Leaving Seattle & More,"] KJ All Day Podcast, YouTube.com, June 12, 2023.

{{Seahawks2008DraftPicks}}

{{Super Bowl XLVIII}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bryant, Red}}

Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Jasper, Texas

Category:Players of American football from Jasper County, Texas

Category:American football defensive tackles

Category:American football defensive ends

Category:Texas A&M Aggies football players

Category:Seattle Seahawks players

Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players

Category:Buffalo Bills players

Category:Arizona Cardinals players

Category:Sportspeople with dyslexia