Post by Bryant on Dec 11, 2011 13:48:34 GMT -5
The position of free safety has never been one that was looked at as necessary or even considered to be a top tier spot but the Stormtroopers KJ Bryant said at the beginning of the season, “I am here to change the idea of what a free safety can do, how they can impact a game, and how they can propel a team from contender to champion.” However, Bryant’s stats tell a completely different story after the first two weeks of the season. Bryant has totaled only 4 tackles and 3 pass deflections. He was touted as a ballhawk and a playmaker but really has shown his team, the fans, and the league nothing that would even put him in the running for free safety of the year. After being picked in the third round KJ Bryant was expected to produce and produce quickly. The city has begun to doubt his production and if the Stormtroopers actually drafted him too high. Our reporters sat down to discuss a few topics with KJ Bryant as he and the Stormtroopers head into week 3.
KJ Bryant showing off his game face.
Reporter: Hello KJ. We wanted to ask you how you have been preparing for games mentally and physically since arriving in Seattle. Many people think you aren’t trying hard enough and that it is showing up in games when you don’t put up big time numbers. What do you have to say to your doubters?
KJ: I make sure to go out and give one hundred percent. If I wasn’t able to do that then I would pack up my stuff, tell my general manager “thanks for the opportunity”, and go do something else with my time. I have always been a competitor and I never give up on anything. Football is my passion and it was always my dream. I may not have showed that at UCLA when I was focusing heavily on my studies but I have proved that I can play football and I believe my teammates, coaches, and the owners see that. I train day in and day out giving it everything I got. I won’t stop until I have to.
Reporter: After only 2 weeks into the season, the Seattle Stormtroopers sit at a 1-1 record with a victory over the Predators and a loss to the St. Peter Griffins. Where do you think the team will finish out the rest of the season?
KJ: I think our team has what it takes to go all the way to the championship. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t believe it. We have our guys in spots to do what they do best and we can prove that every game. Every team loses but not every team picks themselves back up and continues to keep pushing. I believe our Stormtroopers will do just that. Heading into next week we will face the New York Nightmare who will put our defense to the true test with their high firepower offense. It will be fun and it will prove that the Stormtroopers aren’t here to lose.
Reporter: Our last question has to do with awards. Do you think you have a shot at defensive player of the year or free safety of the year?
KJ: I don’t play football for the individual glory. I play for the team championship at the end of the season. All the personal accolades would only be a bonus on top of that. If I had to say anything about it, it would be that there are many great defenders in this league and if I were to obtain the honor I would be proud. However at the end of the day I want Seattle lifting that UFSL championship trophy and see the banner hanging from the rafters.
Will the Stormtroopers be raising this at the end of the season?
Reporter: Thank you for your time.
KJ: Thank you for having me.
