When veteran cornerback James Bradberry signed his contract with the New York Giants, he knew that doing so would come with all the pressures of excelling in The Big Apple.
Some athletes can handle it, but many can’t. However, Bradberry feels uniquely prepared for this latest endeavor, having endured the pressure that previously came with replacing Josh Norman in Carolina and even wearing his No. 24.
“Had 21 been open, I would have chosen 21. But since I was in college, I always thought about wearing 24 so I just went with 24 not thinking about it,” Bradberry told The Athletic of taking Norman’s old number.
“When I actually started thinking about it, it was too late. I had already chosen the number and I didn’t want to go back. People would probably say I was scared to wear that number and I didn’t want that either, so I just took the challenge.”
But Bradberry stepped up to the plate and replaced Norman as well as anyone could have. And now he believes that experience will suit him well in New York.
“They say pressure makes diamonds. So it was definitely a lot of pressure to be able to fill that guy’s shoes,” Bradberry said. “It was definitely hard to fill those shoes. I had to hold myself to a certain standard week-in and week-out just because I had that number on and I knew people were looking at me and comparing me to Josh Norman. It kind of helped me in the long run.”
Also benefiting Bradberry are his years of experience defending some of the top wide receivers in the league — Mike Evan, Julio Jones and Michael Thomas to name a few.
“When you have to go against elite guys day-in and day-out, it makes your job more stressful,” Bradberry said. “But that’s why I’m in this business because I’m a competitor. I’ve been competing my whole life, so without competition I wouldn’t feel like I have a sense of purpose. That’s my purpose right now: To go out there and compete against the best.”
Bradberry may not see the same level of talent in the NFC East that he saw in the NFC South, but he’s bringing that experience and intensity with him anyway.
Oh yea, he’s also bringing that No. 24 jersey.
[lawrence-related id=643975,643966,643988]