Larry Mayer
Growing up in Cleveland, new Bears safety Coby Bryant didn't have to look far to find a football player to emulate. In fact, he didn't even need to leave his own home.
Older brother Christian Bryantalso a safetywas starring at Ohio State when Coby was in middle school and playing in the NFL when Coby was in high school.
"He has inspired me," said Coby, who is seven years younger than Christian. "That's my brother and my best friend. We're extremely close. We talk about anything. He's been in my corner from Day 1, and he's been a great help."
When Christian talks about supporting his brother from "Day 1," he isn't referring to the start of Coby's football career but of his life.
"We're such a tight knit group, just our family in general," Christian said. "My dad set the precedent earlyas soon as Coby came into the world. I would say that I'm my brother's keeper, being able to lead the way."
Their strong bond was evident last week when Christian accompanied Coby to Halas Hall, where he officially signed his contract and conducted an introductory press conference. Coby joins the Bears after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Seahawks, capped by a Super Bowl championship last month.
Coby no doubt benefitted from watching how his brother dealt with adversity. Christian broke his ankle as a senior in college and entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick. From 2014-17, he was released seven times while playing in 12 games with the Rams, Cardinals, Giants and Browns.
"For Coby to able to see my journey and the constant ebbs and flowshe's seen my highest moments and my lowest momentsI think growing up he was able to compartmentalize what he should do and shouldn't do," Christian said. "I think it kind of built him up to this moment. There's never been a moment that I feel has been too big for him. He's been blessed his entire career."
Coby revealed that the best piece of advice he's received from his brother about playing in the NFL is "just to embrace it and cherish it all and be grateful. Football is going to end eventually but just have fun and keep being great. Don't ever settle for anything besides greatness."
Coby followed in Christian's footsteps, playing the same position and excelling at Glenville High School and later playing for the same college coach, Luke FickellChristian at Ohio State and Coby at Cincinnati.
Throughout the years, Christian has been mindful that his younger brother has been watching how he conducts himself on and off the field.
"Being an older brother, you've got to carry yourself a certain way," Christian said. "When you know that somebody's looking up to you, I was never wanting to put him in harm's way. I always wanted to show him the work always comes first. Seeing that he's been able to carry his own weight and obviously surpass all of my career moments, I'm super proud of him and super happy for him as well."
