James Bradberry Feels His Versatility Will Bring Success to the Big Apple!

Newly acquired cornerback, James Bradberry aims to bring same high-level play to the New York Giants that made him successful in Carolina.

James Bradberry’s play speaks for itself and during this free agency period, the New York Giants rewarded him for his talents granting the former Carolina Panthers cornerback with a 3-year deal. Not only is Bradberry one of the best corners in the league, he’s proven to be durable as well, starting in all 60-games as a Panther. His size and ball skills along with his versatility keeps offensive coordinators and receivers up at night. The Alabama native is treating the relocation as an adventure and he welcomes the challenge. Bradberry racked up over 50 solo tackles last year, 12 pass deflections, 3 interceptions and a sack from his cornerback position. He now joins Deandre Baker as the Giants other cornerback.

I had the opportunity to catch up with, Bradberry to tackle a number of topics, including, his new team, quarantining and much more!

What have you been doing to occupy your mind while maintaining the physical aspect of being an NFL football player?

James Bradberry: As far as my mental, I’ve just been playing a lot of, “Call of Duty.” I research some stuff that’s on the top of my mind. As far as physically, I bought a bike today, so I’m gonna start riding that. I ordered some kettlebells and stuff. I’m going to make me a little garage gym; start working out with resistance bands and stuff. Just trying to stay in shape however I can.

Your entire career was spent with the Carolina Panthers up until this point and now you are a New York Giant. Has the hardest part of this virus been not being around your new teammates or the uncertainty of what’s to come?

James Bradberry: The hardest part is the uncertainty and just trying to stay safe. I know what Corona Virus is and how you get it, but you never know who has it because some people don’t have any symptoms. Just trying to stay safe. Don’t go out as much as possible and praying for people being affecting by it really.

You also have to deal with the fact of getting accustomed to a new state, new coaches and teammates as well. That can be tricky under normal circumstances, so I’m sure it’s a little bit different now.

James Bradberry: Yeah for sure. I haven’t even been up to New York yet, but I’ve heard some great things about it, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s a new city. It’s like an adventure for me. That’s the way I look at it. I gotta learn new things. New culture and everything and new food.

You’re from the south so I know food matters (laughing).

James Bradberry: Man… I love some food, so I’m looking forward to it. I heard they got some good Italian spots and good pizza there; a little bit of everything.

I’m a Saints fan, so I’m just happy we don’t have to see you twice a year anymore.

James Bradberry: (Laughing). That’s good to hear from an opponent. I appreciate that.

You are one of Samford University’s top three players to reach the NFL and have the impact you’ve had. To come from a small school like that and be the playmaker that you have been, that’s gotta be a great feeling for you.

James Bradberry: It’s pretty cool. Seeing the guys before me get their opportunity and get their shot gave me confidence. Cortland Finnegan, Corey White, Jaquiski Tartt, Nick Williams… that’s just to name a few guys. Being a part of that legacy and starting that kind of culture around Samford is big-time for me because we’re all small school guys at the end of the day. All we do is look for that little bit of hope. And then the next guy looks for a little opportunity and when we get the opportunity, we take advantage of it.

What was the free agency process like for you?

James Bradberry: I mean it was pretty smooth for me. Everything got situated on the first day of free agency. I got my call; I knew what team I was going to. The hardest part was probably during the year and trying to make sure that I played my best at all times and make sure I stayed injury free.

You played your ass off and I’m definitely not blaming you for the losses, but as a player, did the losses concern you in terms of the interest you would draw or did you feel like the product you put on tape spoke for itself?

James Bradberry: I was thinking about that when it came to Pro Bowl voting and stuff like that, but as far as what I put on film, I didn’t really think about it too much. I know what I put on film. I felt like I was putting on top notch and elite play against some good receivers. I felt like scouts would see that and pay attention to how I played.

Obviously, there is still talent in Carolina, but Cam Newton’s days there are over, Coach Rivera’s days ended there, and you’re now gone. What were your days like in Carolina?

James Bradberry: It was fun. I enjoyed the experience. I enjoyed the opportunity. I was grateful for the opportunity. I enjoyed the city and the community. They showed us nothing but love even when we were losing. Met some great teammates, met some great coaches and some friends that’s going to lasts forever. So, it was nothing but a positive experience for me.

I know the media is a very small part of the big picture for a pro athlete, but the New York media is talked about a lot. Is that something you given thought to yet?

James Bradberry: I haven’t really given it a thought. I’ve heard how… what’s the word I’m looking for…

Ruthless (laughing).

James Bradberry: (Laughing). For a lack of better term, I’ve heard how ruthless and hard the media can be on player’s and teams there sometimes. So, I’m just going to embrace the challenge. I’m going to go there with an open mind. I don’t think it’s going to affect me too much honestly.

You haven’t been to New York yet and I know they have a new staff there, have you been able to get any playbook on schemes or anything like that or is it still the grace period where that’s off limits?

James Bradberry: I feel like my best skillset is my versatility. I’m able to play off coverage, press coverage, zone and man. Whatever it is that coach asks me to do. So, I don’t think the scheme is going to be an issue. I haven’t seen the New York Giants scheme yet because we have new coaches and we haven’t been able to talk about that yet because of the NFL rules. But I’m looking forward to it. It’s a challenge for me. I’m coming to a new team, I’m going to be asked to do a lot more, so I’m looking forward to it honestly.

I think the public underestimates when you guys sign these huge contracts that you more than anything want to earn every nickel of it and I’m sure you’re beyond ready to get going.

James Bradberry: I mean, yeah! My expectations of myself have been high since little league and high school. I’ve always expected the best out of myself. It will be nothing different coming to New York. I expected the best when I got to Carolina. I had big shoes to fill. I feel like I exceeded expectation there and my plan is to do the same in New York.

Young team in New York. This can be viewed as a fresh start for you or a continuation from your previous year. Which approach are you taking?

James Bradberry: It’s a continuation. Everything that I learned in Carolina, which was a lot, I’m just going to apply it in New York. And hopefully I learn new things in New York that I can apply throughout my career.

Have you been looking into other business ventures to occupy a little bit of your time or is the focus still 100% football right now?

James Bradberry: I’ve been trying to self-educate myself on the real estate business, through YouTube and Google. I have been playing a lot of, “Call of Duty,” honestly (laughing). I have a daughter too, so I’ve been spending a lot of time with her. That’s pretty much a lot of my time right there. She’s a newborn.

Say less. I know how much time they command.

James Bradberry: She’s definitely been getting it out of me.

Has it been hard to stay motivated because you don’t know what the immediate future is in terms of the league moving forward with the season?

James Bradberry: I think it’s a combination of things. You definitely want to stay motivated, but you’re not able to workout with your teammates and your coaches. For me, that’s how I get the most out of myself is through competition. When I’m competing against my teammates working out with them. I feel like that brings the best out of me. You get the best results that way. So, that’s been kind of a downfall with everything being postponed. You try to motivate yourself the best you can. I got that bike and that will help with conditioning. I got the kettlebells, so I will make sure I get up at a certain time and get my routine started once I get my equipment and I’m going to go from there.

They make it so hard on defensive backs these days with the rules being in favor of the receiver and the offensive side of the ball in general. How are you able to do the things you do at such a high level? Is it instincts or repetition?

James Bradberry: Like you said, I think its instincts and repetition. I think the one thing people don’t think about is the mental game. You gotta watch a lot of film, you know. You’re going against elite guys. You’re going against guys that might be quicker than you or faster than you, so you want to get a step ahead of those guys. You do that by watching film. I’m not going to say players don’t do it enough, but I feel like people outside in the media or younger players like in high school and college take that for granted. You gotta watch film too and not just put in work on the field with your footwork and stuff.

I expect big things from you out there in the Big Apple. Shout out to my man, Maxx [Lepselter] with Maxx Management for the connect. They are doing a great job with you. Is there anything you want to add for your fans and supporters?

James Bradberry: I just want to say thank you. Especially for the fans and the community in Carolina. They have been supporting me since day one. Thank you to those people. Thank you for your time.

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