As the 2020 NFL season reached the halfway point, it was rookie running back Gary Brightwell that was shining for the Arizona Cardinals. Drafted by the team in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Brightwell has established himself as an important member of the team’s offense, playing an integral role both in the passing and running game. Here, we take a look at the promising career of Gary Brightwell and how he has quickly become one of the NFL’s most exciting players.
Gary Brightwell’s Early Career
Gary Brightwell’s collegiate career started at UNLV, where he became one of the Rebels’ most productive running backs. During the 2019 season, Brightwell ran the ball 161 times for a total of 1,090 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also served as a reliable option in the receiving game, catching 12 passes for 68 yards.
This success earned Brightwell an invite to the 2020 NFL Combine, where he wowed scouts with a 4.53 40-yard dash, 37 ½ inch vertical jump, and 135 inch broad jump. These impressive performance metrics convinced the Cardinals to select Brightwell in the fifth round of the 2020 draft.
Making an Immediate Impact With the Arizona Cardinals
Fresh out of the draft, Brightwell quickly earned his spot in the Cardinals’ lineup due to his versatility as a runner and pass catcher. If we look to Week 10’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, Brightwell served as a key asset in the backfield, running 14 times while also being targeted nine times in the receiving game. He amassed a total of 125 yards from scrimmage, a fine return for the rookie.
In addition to his impressive performance against the Seahawks, Brightwell has been a key contributor for the Cardinals throughout the 2020 NFL season. He currently leads the team in rushing yards, with 467 over 11 games, and is third in receptions, with 25. It is his mission to be a versatile threat for the Cardinals each time he steps out on the field.
Brightwell’s Versatility
One of the main reasons Brightwell has been such a vital asset for the Cardinals is his versatility. As a master of both the run and the pass, Brightwell has the speed and agility to break away from tackles, while also possessing the strength and technical skill to remain a consistent receiver.
This blend of running ability and pass catching prowess is a rare ability and has made Brightwell a particularly enticing asset for the Cardinals. His regular inclusion in the game-plan under head coach, Kliff Kingsbury, is a testament to how important Brightwell is to the offense.
A Bright Future Ahead
It speaks volumes that Brightwell has become a mainstay in the Cardinals’ offense in his rookie year. He has already been touted as one of the NFL’s most promising rookies and with a run in the second half of the season still to come, there could be plenty more success on the horizon for the up-and-comer.
Listed below are some of the reasons why Brightwell is one of the NFL’s top rookie players:
• Proven ability as a runner, midfielder, and receiver.
• Impressive performance metrics from the NFL Combine.
• Already being lauded by Head Coach, Kliff Kingsbury.
• 115 carries for 467 yards in 11 games.
• 25 receptions for 171 yards
Gary Brightwell has already demonstrated the makings of an NFL star in his rookie year. His impressive performance metrics and dynamic play-making skills have already made him an important part of the Cardinals’ offense and the future is looking bright for the young running back. Expect to see more of him in the months ahead as the Cardinals fight for a playoff spot.
