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New York Giants rookie Gary Brightwell feels right at home this week as the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers at the University of Arizona, Brightwell’s alma mater.
The rookie running back has been used mainly on special teams this season rather than in the backfield ,but he’s being patient and is enjoying his role as a special teamer. It just happens to be Brightwell’s thing.
“I embraced the role even when I was in college, like even my senior year I was still embracing that role,” Brghtwell said this week.
“After my career, I want to become a special teams coach, so that should tell you how I feel about special teams.”
Brightwell is primarily used on kick coverage and the Giants haven’t been doing a lot of kicking off, nor have the been doing a lot of kicking in general. He’s only appeared on 54 percent of the special teams snaps.
As for getting involved more in the offense, Brightwell is waiting his turn.
“I’m not even worrying about that right now. I’m just focused on getting some more wins, keep doing my job and honestly, if I do that, things are going to come,” he said.
The Giants drafted Brightwell in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft, which was kind of a surprise. They were looking for running back depth and he wasn’t really rated as highly as some others due to his mild usage at Arizona. The Giants liked what he brings to the special teams.
After he was drafted, Brightwell was all about special teams telling reporters, “I feel like special teams starts the game and also finish it. Special teams has all the hidden yards. I mean, you need special teams to dominate.”
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