Patriots’ Fernando Bryant could be good fit

Patriots’ Fernando Bryant could be good fit

01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, May 25, 2008

BY SHALISE MANZA YOUNG

Journal Sports Writer
FOXBORO — Fernando Bryant entered free agency a few months ago as a nine-year NFL veteran who was coming off his first injury-free season in several years and had more-than-respectable numbers to show for it.

But as the weeks passed, Bryant wasn’t getting a lot of interest. Then the New England Patriots started calling, and suddenly Bryant became like chocolate cake to a roomful people who don’t count calories: everyone wanted a piece of him.
“I had other offers, especially when I came on my visit here,” Bryant said after one of last week’s passing-camp sessions behind Gillette Stadium. “They all called to see how serious I was about coming here.”

But a number of factors led Bryant to choose the Patriots over other teams. He is friends with Kevin Faulk, Marcus Pollard and Richard Seymour, and new defensive backs coach Dom Capers was his defensive coordinator during Bryant’s rookie year with Jacksonville.

The opportunity to contribute to a winning team didn’t hurt.

Bryant, who signed a one-year contract with the Patriots, spoke highly of Capers, who likely had a hand in bringing his former charge to New England.

“You know what you’re getting with him,” he said. “He’s a coach of technique, and those are things I try to base my game on.”

Capers’ ability to teach technique will come in handy. Bryant has played on the left side for much of his career, but so has incumbent starter Ellis Hobbs. Bryant said there is some difference to playing on the right side, in terms of making reads and learning to pivot off the opposite foot.

But in a refrain familiar among Pats’ players, Bryant is ready and willing to do what it takes.

“The biggest thing for me is getting on the field and helping the team,” he said. “If it’s on the left side, it’s the left side. If it’s on the right side, it’s the right. If it’s nickel, it’s nickel.”

One thing that won’t change for Bryant is his dedication to giving back to the community. His charitable interests are many and varied, and he’s already talked to teammates about programs he can get involved with in New England.

“I believe (in the Bible verse) ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’ ” Bryant said. “It’s probably just the way I was raised. I’ve been blessed to play this game. I don’t like fanfare; it’s just about giving back.”

The native of Albany, Ga., was the Detroit Lions’ man of the year in 2004, and last year he was honored at the Georgia State Capitol for his humanitarian efforts. In addition to his 25 Sports Foundation (named for his jersey number), which aids inner-city children through a variety of initiatives, Bryant also supports organ donation. His brother received a life-saving kidney transplant several years ago. Bryant also has provided Thanksgiving dinner baskets and relief supplies for Hurricane Katrina victims.

Last week, he mentioned that he’d also like to help military personnel.

“I understand that the freedoms that we have don’t come free. Someone is paying for the freedoms we have,” Bryant said.

Detroit coach Rod Marinelli told the Boston Globe last month that Bryant was released for salary-cap considerations and not his play. He was slated to earn $4 million with the Lions for the 2008 season.

“He gave a tremendous amount for us. He’s the consummate pro,” Marinelli said. “When he comes out he’ll know his job. He’ll do what the coaches want him to do. He’ll tackle. He’s very physical. He will not shy away. I think you’ll like that physical aspect of him."