Gary Brightwell emerged from the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center, his cleats clickety-clacking on the concrete. He wore a red, white and blue football uniform. It could have been any mild, sunny Wednesday afternoon during his four years as an ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcat.
Things have changed, though. The uniform features a different shade of blue. Brightwell is a professional now, a rookie for the New York Giants trying to find his place in a cutthroat business.
Was he happy to be back? Of course.
“This is like my second home,†Brightwell said.
But even while serving as an ambassador for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ during the Giants’ layover here — “I get a new question every second,†he said, most of them about where to get a haircut — Brightwell is focused on his craft. He’s striving to get better every day, because he knows any day could be his last.
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“It’s way different than college,†Brightwell said after the Giants’ midday practice on the UA campus. “You know you gotta bring it every day. I’m thinking I’m coming into a cakewalk. But really, it was nothing like it. You gotta grind every day ... to earn a spot, to earn a name.â€
As a player with a local connection, Brightwell earned a spot on the podium Wednesday — an usual development for a running back who has one carry and one reception through 12 games.
When first-year coach Joe Judge told Brightwell and his teammates that they’d be training at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ this week, the rookie running back couldn’t help but smile. When he arrived, the warm air felt good. The desert smelled familiar.
The Giants elected to spend the week here instead of returning to New Jersey after their game at Miami. They face the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Judge wanted to reduce the wear and tear on his players’ bodies as they enter the final leg of the NFL’s first 17-game season. He sought the “lighter feeling†of a college town and viewed an extended stay in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ as an opportunity for his 4-8 team to regroup and refresh.
“This place had the university, it had the facilities, had a coaching staff we have some familiarity with,†Judge said, referring to the UA staff led by Jedd Fisch, who has spent over half his coaching career in the NFL. “They were very hospitable to us. A lot of places don’t entertain this. They couldn’t have been more welcoming.â€
The connections go beyond Brightwell. Brandon Sanders, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s coordinator of football alumni and high school relations, played for the Giants in the late 1990s. Linebacker Blake Martinez, who’s out for the season because of injury, is a graduate of Canyon del Oro High School.
Brightwell came to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ from the Northeast. He grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, about a half-hour southwest of Philadelphia. He attended high school in Middletown, Delaware, and Baltimore.
Giants running back Gary Brightwell answers questions following Wednesday’s practice at the Dick Tomey Practice Fields. Brightwell is a former UA player who was taken by the Giants in the sixth round of this year’s draft.
Brightwell began his UA career in 2017 as a special-teams player. He never stopped contributing to those units — even as he became a regular at running back — and that was a big reason the Giants selected him in the sixth round of this year’s NFL draft.
He has lived up to his reputation. Brightwell is tied for the team lead with eight special teams tackles. That total ranks third among rookies across the league, per .
“Can he eventually be a starter? He’ll grow in that role and kind of find that for himself,†Judge said. “While he’s developing as a running back, he’s a guy that should be an impact player in the kicking game. You need these players on your roster.â€
Brightwell has appeared in 11 games. He’s one of six players in the running back room, which is headlined by injury-plagued former No. 2 overall pick Saquon Barkley and also features veteran Devontae Booker.
Brightwell, who rushed for 1,305 yards and nine touchdowns at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, has played only 12 offensive snaps. He isn’t content with being a backup, but he understands the current hierarchy.
“I’m not even worrying about that right now,†Brightwell said. “I’m just focused on getting some more wins (and) doing my job. If I do that, things are gonna come.â€
Giants cornerback James Bradberry runs a drill during Wednesday afternoon’s practice.
Brightwell always exuded confidence during his time at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. That hasn’t changed. But he has discovered a new reality in the NFL, having seen players come and go on a weekly basis.
“Any player coming in that gets drafted, they’re gonna think, ‘Yeah, I got a spot.’ But it’s not that way,’ †Brightwell said. “You still gotta work — day in, day out. Because if you don’t, you’re gone the next day — probably the next minute.
“No matter what position you play, the competition is real. ... You never know what you’re going to expect or get. Every week is something new.â€
Brightwell has leaned on the veterans in the RB room for advice. They have taught him the value of watching film, paying attention to details and storing that information for future use.
Brightwell also has embraced his role on special teams, where he has played 171 snaps. He even said he’d like to become a special-teams coach when his playing days are done.
The longer Brightwell can contribute in that area, the longer he can put that off.
“You ideally want to carry 3-4 running backs, and that third or fourth running back has to (have) an impact in the kicking game,†Judge said. “They’ve got to make plays for you in coverage and in the return game.
“He’s made a lot of plays for us so far. He’s really demonstrated that what we thought he could be, he will be.
“He’s far from where he’s going to be as he keeps on developing as a player. He’s a hard worker. He’s a tough kid. He comes to work every day with a good attitude. I know he’s excited to be back here.â€
Photos: New York Giants practice in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
New York Giants Practice
The New York Giants stretch during their final practice in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on Friday.
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Expect former Canyon del Oro High Schools standout Blake Martinez to find a new team soon.
New York Giants Practice
New York Giants running back Gary Brightwell, 37, warm-ups with fellow teammates during the New York Giants final practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 10th, 2021.
New York Giants Practice
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney, 29, high-fives two young Giants fans Rene Dominguez Jr., 4, and his brother Giovanni Dominguez, 3, during the New York Giants final practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 10th, 2021.
New York Giants Practice
A New York Giants player signs a fans helmet before the New York Giants final practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 10th, 2021.
New York Giants Practice
A group of New York Giants players walk past some fans while walking to practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 10th, 2021.
New York Giants Practice
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, 26, takes a picture with fans Sabrina Hernandez, left, and her two kids Rene Dominguez Jr., 4, and Giovanni Dominguez, 3, before the New York Giants final practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 10th, 2021.
New York Giants Practice
AJ Lopez, right, who has been a New York Giants fan for 20 years, gets his jersey signed by Giants running back Saquon Barkely, 26, during the New York Giants final practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 10th, 2021.
New York Giants Practice
The New York Giants offensive line runs drills during the New York Giants final practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 10th, 2021.
New York Giants Practice
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, 26, dances while stretching with the team during the New York Giants final practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 10th, 2021.
New York Giants Practice
New York Giants wide receiver Pharoh Cooper, 23, talks with fellow teammates while stretching during the New York Giants final practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 10th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, 26, catches the ball while running a drill during the New York Giants second practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 9th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney, 29, tries to break up a pass intended for defensive back Logan Ryan, 23, during the New York Giants second practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 9th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
An equipment bag sits on the field under a sky filled with clouds while the New York Giants lineman work during the New York Giants second practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 9th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ freshman and New York Giants fan for 19 years Louden Montoya, left, talks with his friend Christian Medina, who has been a Giants fan for 17 years, while Medina waves at players walking towards The Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center before the Giants second practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 9th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
Former University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ running back and running back for The New York Giants Gary Brightwell, 37, catches the ball while running a drill during the New York Giants second practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 9th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
New York Giants Assistant Special Teams coach Tom Quinn, right, works with Cam Brown, 47, during the New York Giants second practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 9th, 2021. Quinn played at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ from 1986-1990 as a linebacker.
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ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats quarterback Jordan McCloud, right, watches the Giants practice Thursday at the Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields on campus at the UA.
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ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥an Phil Velez, left, asks Giants safety Julian Love for an autograph after the NFL team practiced Thursday on the UA campus.
New York Giants practice
New York Giants defensive players huddle before running drills during their practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
Former University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ running back and running back for The New York Giants Gary Brightwell, 37, waits for his turn to run an offensive drill with fellow offensive players during the New York Giants practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
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Giants linebacker Blake Martinez, right, laughs with teammate Tae Crowder during Wednesday’s practice on the UA campus. The former Canyon del Oro High School standout has served as a tour guide of sorts during the NFL team’s stay in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
New York Giants practice
Eliazar Reyes, 8, right, and his brother Aaron Reyes, 6, stretch with New York Giants Azeez Ojulari, 51, during the New York Giants practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
Former University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ running back and running back for The New York Giants Gary Brightwell, 37, runs drills during the New York Giants practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
New York Giants defensive back Logan Ryan, 23, catches the ball while running a drill during the New York Giants practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry, 24, runs a drill during the New York Giants practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, 26, runs a drill during the New York Giants practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams, 99, runs a drill with fellow teammate defensive lineman Raymond Johnson III, 91, during the New York Giants practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Football wide receiver Jamarye Joiner, 10, watches the defensive lineman during the New York Giants practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
New York Giants practice
Former University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ running back and running back for The New York Giants Gary Brightwell, 37, grabs his helmet after being interviewed following the New York Giants practice at The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Dick Tomey Football Practice Fields in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on Dec. 8th, 2021.
Contact sports reporter Michael Lev at 573-4148 or mlev@tucson.com. On Twitter @michaeljlev
Michael Lev
Sports Reporter/Columnist
