CB James Bradberry
Q: Why the Giants and talk about the challenge of coming in as the veteran corner on what's a pretty young group?
A: Of course, the city of New York and all the opportunities they have on and off the field. I'm familiar with Dave Gettleman and the culture he is trying to build in the locker room. I am looking forward to being a part of it. What I can bring to the locker room is my overall knowledge of the game. I can help the younger guys in the DB room get better. My experience for the most part is what I am going to bring to the game.
Q: Obviously you and Dave Gettleman have a relationship that goes back to when he drafted you. Can you just talk a little bit about what the conversations were like this time as he was recruiting you?
A: Honestly, he reached out to my agent. I really didn't talk to (Dave) Gettleman. They came out of nowhere and made an offer, I didn't even expect them to make an offer. He already knew the type of guy I was, and I already knew the type of guy he was. I already knew what type of organization he was trying to build over there in New York. I knew it was nothing but positive.
Q: One of the reasons the Giants wanted you even though you are only 26 is they need a veteran in the room? Just because you have been in the league four years doesn't mean that naturally you would be a leader. What do you think they saw in you with these young cornerbacks that you can help them other than you being a good cornerback yourself?
A: Of course, Dave saw me up close and personal my first year and then after that he saw me from afar. After that, I think he saw me improve each and every year. In order to improve you have to take knowledge and apply it on the field. That's what I want to do for the younger guys, I want to give them knowledge and hopefully they can apply it on the field.
Q: I think the expectation is this defense is going to play a lot of man coverage. How does that fit your strength and was that appealing to you?
A: I see myself as a versatile corner. I can play zone, I can play man. I was down for whatever. Of course, playing a lot of man is a challenge for any cornerback and I am always willing to accept a challenge.
Q: What was it like going into free agency during the coronavirus?
A: Initially, free agency was going smooth until the coronavirus came around. When it became official that I was going with the Giants, it didn't hit me yet. I don't think it still has hit me yet. I feel like after we get everything figured out and the coronavirus, everyone is safe and whatnot. I feel like it will hit me when I am able to come up and visit.
Q: You haven't been to the Giants facility yet? Or met any of the coaches?
A: No sir.
Q: Where are you training?
A: Right now, I am in Charlotte. My training has kind of come to a halt because of trying to keep your social distancing, trying to keep a safe distance from everyone. Making sure you are not spreading the virus or contracting the virus. I have been working out here and there trying to get it in by any means.
View photos of cornerback James Bradberry.
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) runs out for intros prior to a game against the Houston Texans on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Carolina won 27-17. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL football game, Sunday, November 25, 2018, in Charlotte, NC. Seattle won 30-27. (Paul Abell via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) intercepts a pass intended forTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) in the end zone late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The Panthers won 37-26. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) looks on prior to a play in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sep. 17th, 2016 in Charlotte,NC. The Carolina Panthers won 46-27. (Logan Bowles via AP Images)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) stands in pass coverage during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Panthers 38-6. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) in action on defense during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Panthers 38-6. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) looks on as he walks to the sideline after halftime during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Panthers 38-6. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) in action on defense during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Panthers 38-6. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry, right, breakas up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry, right, breakas up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) drops into coverage during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers defeated the Titans 30-20. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) sruggle during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Atlanta. The Falcons beat the Panthers 40-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019 in Charlotte, Nc. The Buccaneers won 20-14. (Paul Abell via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019 in Charlotte, Nc. The Buccaneers won 20-14. (Paul Abell via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) tries to run with the ball after making an interception during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Rams defeated the Panthers 30-27. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) celebrates with defensive back Tre Boston (33) after making an interception during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Rams defeated the Panthers 30-27. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 20-14. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL football regular season game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018 in New Orleans. The Panthers won, 33-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) waits between plays during an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots beat the Panthers 10-3. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) celebrates his interception during the second half of an NFL football game against te Los Angeles Rams in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Tre Boston (33) and cornerback James Bradberry (24) react following Bradberry's interception against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry's cleats are shown before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) in coverage during a week 10 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh won 52-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) rocks a pass away from Seattle Seahawks' Doug Baldwin (89) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24)drops into coverage in action against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday Oct. 28, 2018 in Charlotte, N.C. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) takes the field with an American flag during player introductions prior to an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Charlotte, N.C. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) is seen during an NFL preseason game against the New England Patriots, Friday, Aug. 24th, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) runs onto the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Charlotte, N.C.,Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) misses a catch as Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) carries an American flag as he is introduced before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry, right, and Carolina Panthers defensive back Da'Norris Searcy (21) tackle Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Charlotte, N.C. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) is introduced before the start of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) intercepts a pass intended for Green Bay Packers' Jordy Nelson (87) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) leaps and celebrates after the Panthers recover a late fourth quarter fumble that clinches the win during the 2017 NFL week 15 regular season football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won the game 31-24. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) deflects a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) drops into coverage during the game against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, Baltimore. The Ravens defeated the Panthers 22-19. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers (12) greets Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) after an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones, top, is tackled by Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry, bottom, in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016. The Falcons won 33-16. (AP photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) congratulates teammate James Bradberry (24) after Bradberry intercepted a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings' Stefon Diggs (14) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. The Panthers won 31-24. Carolina Panthers' Mike Adams (29) looks to recover the football. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) celebrates with middle linebacker A.J. Klein (56) after Bradberry intercepted a pass by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during player introductions prior to an NFL football game at Bank of America, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 in Charlotte, N.C. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field, Thursday, August 24, 2017 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Panthers defeated the Jaguars 24-23. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Geronimo Allison (81) catches a pass but fumbles the ball on a hit by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) late in the fourth quarter on a game winning play by the Panthers during the 2017 NFL week 15 regular season football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won the game 31-24. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) takes the field during introductions before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The Vikings won 22-10. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) is thrown down by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) during an NFL football game on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. Denver won 21-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandon Coleman (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL NFC wild-card playoff football game on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 in New Orleans. New Orleans won 31-26. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. (NFL Photos via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) runs out for intros prior to a game against the Houston Texans on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Carolina won 27-17. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Q: What are your first impressions of Joe Judge as a head coach from your conversations with him? You talked about the culture they want to build now? What specifically did they talk to you about?
A: I talked to him a little bit after I signed. It was a positive conversation. We didn't really talk about football a whole lot. We talked about life and what's going on right now in the world. He was telling me they are postponing OTA's and we are going to figure out football later on. Right now, we are just going to worry about what's going on in the world.
Q: Have you ever had an opportunity in your career to serve as kind of that mentor for a young group, and if so, how that went for you with balancing mentoring them as well as being the best player you could be?
Bradberry: In my career, including college and high school? Or in the NFL?
Q: Yeah. NFL specifically, but if you had some college or high school experience mentoring, that would work.
Bradberry: I'll just talk about the NFL. In my third year, when Donte Jackson came, of course, he was already an elite athlete. I didn't have to coach him up on that. His technique was superb, especially because he played a lot of press man (coverage). For me, I was just trying to help him just learn how to break down film and watch film, and make sure I stayed on top of him about watching tape because that's how you anticipate routes, within film coverage. I feel like he improved in that going into his second year. Of course, he had a standout rookie year. I feel like that was all a tribute to his talents. I helped out a little bit here and there.
Q: What experiences did you take from playing in the NFC South against Julio Jones, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, all those guys, that you can take with you to New York? How did those guys help make you a better player in competition?
Bradberry: Of course, the competition, going against the best, of course, it'll help you improve your skill. But just watching film, those guys are tier one guys. I knew I had to be on my A-game every time I faced them and I had to watch my film throughout the week. It made me very diligent with my film study. I just sacrifice time, make sure I put the time in so I can ball out on Sunday.
Q: In your opinion, who is the best receiver in the NFC South?
Bradberry: I thought Julio Jones was the best receiver, but all of those guys are elite. Michael Thomas, Mike Evans are not too far behind.
Q: Obviously, nobody knows what the next few weeks or next few months are going to bring because of COVID. I'm just wondering, how are you going to get a jumpstart on what the Giants run, given that they have a new coaching staff. Patrick Graham, the defensive coordinator, he obviously had a year of experience down in Miami, different personnel. But what can you do while we kind of wait for everything to sort out so that once the time does come, you're ready to kind of hit the ground running?
Bradberry: I think just having a routine as far as working out the best you can. Getting on the bicycle, riding the bike around the neighborhood and making sure your legs are conditioned. Communicating with the coaches and trying to get as much information from them as possible. Just little, small things. Mainly just staying in shape. That's the biggest thing.
Q: Do you know anybody with the Giants? Any of the players that you're familiar with in any way, shape or form?
Bradberry: Yes sir. I know David Mayo, I know Rashaan Gaulden and I know Chad Slade.
Q: Have any of those guys reached out to you and told you what it's like to be a Giant?
Bradberry: Yeah, I reached out to those guys. They had nothing but positive things to say about it. They pretty much love the city, love the facilities, and I heard the food is good.
Q: How about the young DBs that you're going to be working with? Have you had a chance to touch base with them and what are your thoughts on DeAndre Baker?
Bradberry: I followed them on Instagram but I haven't had an opportunity to talk to them. I'd rather introduce myself to them and meet them in person. It goes a lot smoother than text messages or DMs. But honestly, I really haven't watched a whole lot of film on those guys. But I did watch DeAndre Baker coming out of college and I saw a really good athlete. I'm looking forward to working with him. I'm looking forward to working with him and the rest of the guys, honestly. I don't want to single one person out.
Q: I'm wondering how you'll embrace the challenge of kind of helping the Giants, particularly on defense, get back on track after a few years where they didn't necessarily play up to what they would have expected?
Bradberry: Honestly, my motto is just go out there and do it. There's no point in being scared of it or hiding back from it. Just embrace the challenge, accept it and make sure you put the time in so that when it's time to play on Sunday, that you're able to perform at your highest level, put on a good show for the fans and also get a win.
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