Wendell Bryant: “I Got A Second Chance”

We caught up with former Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Wendell Bryant after he was drafted tonight by the United Football League’s Las Vegas franchise. The former first-round draft pick, who was booted out of the NFL due to repeated violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy, expressed excitement during a telephone interview about getting another chance to play football. Bryant was cut by the Cardinals in 2005 after being suspended for a year due to a positive drug test. Clean and sober for nearly a year, Bryant emphasized that he’s determined to prove himself. “I got a second chance by the grace of God and this 12-step program,” Bryant said from his home in Phoenix. “I’ve been able to come to a place of peace now. All I wanted was a second chance and I got what I wanted. Now, I’ve got to show and prove myself. “I’m just excited to be back on the field and run around and chase people. I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready to go get it. I can’t wait to run around until I’m out of breath. This is going to be so much fun.” Bryant didn’t know that he had been drafted by Las Vegas until receiving a telephone call from PFT. The former Wisconsin standout wasn’t totally surprised that he’s remaining on the West Coast and will be playing for former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel. Bryant spoke with Fassel prior to the draft and had a hunch that they would meet again soon. “Coach Fassel seems like a really straightforward guy who wants to get the absolute best out of his players,” Bryant said. “He’s very in tune with the offensive side of the ball. He has a great staff. I’m looking forward to being a part of it. I hope we do so well that he doesn’t even have to focus on the defense. . . . “From what I’ve gathered, this is like a minor league farm system for the NFL. When NFL Europe was canceled, so much was lost as far as having a farm system for the NFL. I’m looking forward to getting some significant playing time and game film, but I’m mostly looking forward to just playing the game again and being a part of a team. I can’t say enough about how grateful and hungry I am.” Bryant, who lives in Phoenix, is thrilled that he’ll be able to remain close to his family, including a young daughter, in order to maintain the support system that has helped him turn around his life. “I’m not going to be far from the people that I love, I’ll be able to see my family,” Bryant said. “I wouldn’t have this opportunity if not for my family and my sobriety. They keep me grounded, humble and on track to succeed. “With them behind me, it has been real easy for me to get up and work out and stay on my diet and do everything that I’m supposed to do. It feels so good to be able to say, ‘I’m a football player again, not an ex-football player.’ I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”