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Coby Bryant
Coby Bryant
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Coby Bryant (born March 29, 1999) is an American professional football safety for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Key Information

Early life

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Bryant grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Glenville High School.[1]

College career

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Bryant mostly played on special teams during his freshman season.[2] He was named a starter going into his sophomore year and had 33 tackles and two interceptions.[3] Bryant finished his junior season with 54 tackles, eight passes broken up and one interception.[4] Bryant was named first-team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) as a senior.[5] After considering entering the 2021 NFL draft, Bryant decided to utilize the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played in the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic and return to Cincinnati for a fifth season.[6] Bryant repeated as a first-team All-AAC selection as a senior and was named the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award.[7]

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Cory Giddings of Bleacher Report ranked Bryant as the eighth best cornerback prospect (63rd overall) in the draft.[8] Dane Brugler of the Athletic and ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had Bryant ranked as the 10th best cornerback draft prospect.[9] Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated ranked him as the 17th best cornerback prospect in the draft.[10] He was ranked as the 18th best cornerback in the draft by Pro Football Focus.[9] NFL draft analysts and scouts projected him to be selected in the third or fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft.

External videos
video icon Coby Bryant runs 4.54s 40-yard dash
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span Wingspan 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+38 in
(1.86 m)
193 lb
(88 kg)
30+58 in
(0.78 m)
9+38 in
(0.24 m)
6 ft 1+58 in
(1.87 m)
4.48 s 1.56 s 2.62 s 4.33 s 7.31 s 33.0 in
(0.84 m)
10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)
17 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[11][12][13]

2022

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The Seattle Seahawks selected Bryant in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft. They originally acquired the pick in a trade in 2020 with the New York Jets along with Jamal Adams.[14] He was the 13th cornerback selected in 2022 and was the first of two cornerbacks drafted by the Seahawks, along with their fifth round pick (153rd overall) Tariq Woolen. They were drafted to provide depth at the position following the departure of D. J. Reed. He was also the third Cincinnati defensive back selected following first round pick (4th overall) Sauce Gardner and second round pick (62nd overall) Bryan Cook.

External videos
video icon Seahawks select Coby Bryant No. 109
video icon Coby Bryant gets the draft call at No. 109

On July 26, 2022, the Seattle Seahawks signed Bryant to a four–year, $4.46 million rookie contract that includes an initial signing bonus of $807,804.[15]

Throughout training camp, he competed to be a starting cornerback against Sidney Jones, Justin Coleman, Tre Brown, Artie Burns, and fellow rookie Tariq Woolen under defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt. He also competed to be the starting nickelback against Justin Coleman.[16] Head coach Pete Carroll named him a backup cornerback and listed him as fifth on the depth chart to begin the season, behind starting duo Tariq Woolen and Michael Jackson Sr. and primary backups Justin Coleman and Sidney Jones.[17]

On September 12, 2022, Bryant made his professional regular season debut during the Seattle Seahawks' home-opener against the Denver Broncos, but did not record a stat with only two snaps on defense as they won 17–16. After Week 1, Bryant became the starting nickelback after Justin Coleman injured his calf and was inactive for the next four games (Weeks 2–5).[18] In Week 2, he recorded five combined tackles (four solo) during a 7–27 loss at the San Francisco 49ers. The following week, Bryant had one solo tackle and had his first career sack on quarterback Marcus Mariota for a six–yard loss as the Seahawks lost 23–27 to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. On October 2, 2022, Bryant earned his first career start at nickelback and had six combined tackles (three solo) during a 48–45 victory at the Detroit Lions.[18] In Week 6, he set a season-high with eight combined tackles (six solo) during a 19–9 win against the Arizona Cardinals. He finished his rookie season with a total of 70 combined tackles (52 solo), four passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two sacks while appearing in all 17 games with six starts.[19] He received an overall grade of 58.9 from Pro Football Focus as a rookie in 2022.[20]

The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2022 NFL season second in the NFC West with a 9–8 record to earn a playoff berth. On January 14, 2023, Bryant appeared in the first postseason game of his career, but was limited to one solo tackle as the Seahawks lost the NFC Wild-Card Game 23–41 at the San Francisco 49ers.

2023

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Heading into training camp, Bryant was projected to be a backup and was a possible candidate for the job as the starting nickelback after the Seahawks drafted Devon Witherspoon in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2023 NFL draft. Head coach Pete Carroll named Bryant as the starting nickelback and listed him as the third cornerback on the depth chart to start the season, behind starters Tariq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon.[21]

On September 10, 2023, Bryant started in the Seattle Seahawks' home-opener against the Los Angeles Rams and set a season-high with nine combined tackles (seven solo) as they lost 13–30. On October 14, 2023, the Seahawks officially placed Bryant on injured reserve after he injured the same toe he had previously injured during the off-season.[22] On November 23, 2023, the Seahawks activated him from injured reserve and added him back to their active roster after he was inactive for eight consecutive games (Weeks 3–11).[23] He finished the 2023 NFL season with only 18 combined tackles (14 solo) in nine games and two starts.[24]

2024

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On January 31, 2024, the Seattle Seahawks announced the hiring of Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new head coach.[25] Under new defensive coordinator Aden Durde, Bryant fully transitioned from cornerback to free safety after he began to learn the position during training camp in 2023. He moved to safety following the departures of Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams that also coincided with the Seahawks drafting cornerbacks Nehemiah Pritchett and D. J. James in the 2024 NFL draft. Throughout training camp, he competed to be the starting free safety against Rayshawn Jenkins and K'Von Wallace. Bryant began the season as a backup safety behind starting safety duo Rayshawn Jenkins and Julian Love.[26]

He became the starting free safety beginning in Week 7 after Rayshawn Jenkins was placed on injured reserve due to a hand injury. On October 20, 2024, Bryant earned his first start at free safety and set a season-high with 11 combined tackles (seven solo), made one pass deflection, and had his first career interception on a pass attempt thrown by Kirk Cousins to tight end Kyle Pitts during a 34–14 victory at the Atlanta Falcons. On November 24, 2024, Bryant made six solo tackles, one pass deflection, and scored his first career touchdown on a pick-six after picking off a pass attempt by Kyler Murray to wide receiver Michael Wilson and returned it for a 69–yard touchdown in the third quarter of a 6–16 win against the Arizona Cardinals.[27] His performance earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 12.[28] He finished the 2024 NFL season with a total of 73 combined tackles (48 solo), six pass deflections, three interceptions, and one touchdown in 17 games and 11 starts.[29] He received an overall grade of 72.8 from Pro Football Focus in 2024.[30]

2025

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Bryant had four total tackles in Super Bowl LV, a 29–13 win over the New England Patriots.[31]

Personal life

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Bryant was named after the basketball player Kobe Bryant but his parents changed the spelling for uniqueness.[32] He is the younger brother of former NFL safety Christian Bryant.[33] He wears his jersey number 8 as a tribute to Kobe Bryant.[34]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Coby Bryant (born March 29, 1999) is an American professional football for the of the (). He stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 193 pounds. Bryant attended the , where he played for the as a from 2017 to 2021. During his 2020 season, he earned First-Team All-American Athletic Conference honors after recording four interceptions and seven passes defended. Over his college career, Bryant amassed 172 total tackles, 10 interceptions, and 35 passes defended. Selected by the in the fourth round (109th overall) of the , Bryant initially played primarily as a before transitioning to in subsequent seasons. As a in 2022, he appeared in all 17 games, contributing 70 total tackles (52 solo) while logging significant special teams snaps. In 2023, he appeared in 9 games with 2 starts at , recording 18 total tackles (14 solo). Bryant experienced a breakout year in 2024, starting 11 of 17 games at and leading the with three interceptions—one returned for a —while tallying 73 tackles (48 solo) and six passes defended. Entering the 2025 season as a key member of the Seahawks' secondary, he has continued to start, recording two interceptions and 29 solo tackles (45 total) through 9 games as of November 2025. His versatility and ball skills have established him as a rising defensive contributor for the franchise.

Early life

Family background

Coby Bryant was born on March 29, 1999, in , . Bryant grew up in a close-knit family led by his parents, Ronnie and Tanisha Bryant, alongside his older brother, Christian Bryant, who is seven years his senior. Christian, a former safety, played at from 2010 to 2013 and was selected in the seventh round of the by the , where he appeared in 12 games over two seasons with the and before injuries ended his professional career. The brothers shared a competitive sibling dynamic, with Coby often imitating Christian's drills and attending his pee wee and high school games alongside their father, Ronnie, who emphasized a strong . The Bryant family environment in was deeply rooted in football and resilience, influenced by the city's robust sports culture and the guidance of Ronnie and Tanisha's parents, who instilled values of and relentless drive summarized in the family motto "humble, but hungry." Christian's career, marked by early success at and collegiate achievements followed by setbacks, served as a pivotal influence, motivating Coby to adopt an "alpha" mentality from a young age. Early exposure to the sport came through family involvement and community programs in Cleveland's East Side, where football was a central part of local identity, fostering Bryant's initial passion and development before his organized high school involvement.

High school career

Coby Bryant attended in , , a program renowned for producing professional football talent under the guidance of . As a standout , Bryant lettered for three years and earned all-conference and all-district honors during his junior and senior seasons. During his junior year, he recorded 50 tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception while playing both and . Over his high school career, he amassed 12 interceptions. Bryant contributed significantly to the Tarbloodhounds' success, helping the team achieve a 7-0 record in Senate League play in 2016 and a 7-4 overall mark in his senior year, advancing to the regional finals. Rated as a three-star recruit by and , Bryant was ranked among the top three cornerbacks in for the class of 2017 by Scout. He received scholarship offers from multiple colleges, including , and committed to the on , 2017.

College career

Time at University of Cincinnati

Coby Bryant, a highly regarded from in , , committed to the Bearcats as a on January 19, 2017, and officially signed his on February 1, 2017. He enrolled at that summer, joining a recruiting class that marked a turning point for the program under . As a true freshman in 2017, Bryant saw limited action, appearing in 12 games primarily on special teams and as a reserve , where he recorded minimal defensive contributions while adapting to college-level play. Bryant's role evolved rapidly in his second year, as he transitioned to and earned a starting position for the 2018 season, anchoring the secondary in all 13 games during the season in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) under Fickell. He maintained his starting role through the 2019 and 2020 seasons, starting every game in 2019 (14 games) and all 10 contests in the COVID-shortened 2020 schedule, helping the Bearcats achieve back-to-back bowl appearances and solidifying the program's rise as a competitive force in the AAC. By his fifth year in 2021, Bryant had become a cornerstone of the defense, starting all 14 games and playing a pivotal role in Cincinnati's historic undefeated regular season that earned the team their first-ever berth. During the 2021 postseason, Bryant's contributions were key to the Bearcats' victory over , a 38-10 win that advanced them to the Cotton Bowl semifinal against , marking a high point in the program's trajectory just before its impending move to the in 2023. Over his five seasons, he appeared in 63 games and started 49 as a four-year starter, evolving from a raw recruit into a lockdown defender who helped transform into a national contender. Academically, Bryant majored in interdisciplinary studies and graduated in December 2020 after four years, before utilizing his additional year of eligibility granted due to the to return for the 2021 season.

College achievements and statistics

During his five-year collegiate career at the from 2017 to 2021, Coby Bryant established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), amassing 10 interceptions, 45 passes defensed (ranking second all-time in program history), and 172 total tackles over 63 games played. His interceptions tied for 11th in AAC history since 1976, while his passes defensed highlighted his ball skills and coverage prowess. Bryant's statistical progression showcased steady development, particularly in his later seasons as a starter. As a in 2017, he appeared in 12 games with minimal defensive contributions, recording 4 total tackles. His year in 2018 marked an early breakout, with 33 total tackles, 2 , and 11 passes defensed across 13 games. In 2019 as a junior, he started all 14 games, leading the team with 54 tackles (37 solo) and adding 9 passes defensed and 1 . The 2020 season, shortened by the , saw Bryant tie for the AAC lead with 4 while recording 35 tackles and 11 passes defensed in 10 starts. His senior year in 2021 was his most productive, with 46 tackles, a team-high 14 passes defensed, 3 (including one returned for a ), and 3 forced fumbles over 14 games.
SeasonClassGames PlayedTotal TacklesInterceptionsPasses Defensed
2017FR12400
2018SO1333211
2019JR145419
2020SR1035411
2021SR1446314
Career-631721045
Bryant earned significant accolades for his performance, including the 2021 as the nation's top , first-team All-AAC honors in both 2020 and 2021, and second-team All-American recognition from the in 2021. He was also a semifinalist for the 2021 Lott IMPACT Trophy, recognizing his on-field impact and community involvement. Bryant's contributions were integral to Cincinnati's defensive success, particularly in 2021 when the Bearcats achieved an undefeated 11-0 regular season and earned a berth. As a key member of the secondary, he helped anchor a unit that ranked No. 1 nationally in pass efficiency defense (100.47 rating) and No. 4 in opponent completion percentage (51.7%), while allowing just 168.3 passing yards per game.

Professional career

Pre-draft process and NFL Draft

Bryant participated in the 2022 , where he measured 6 feet 1⅜ inches tall and weighed 193 pounds, with arm length of 30⅝ inches. He also ran the in 4.54 seconds and completed 17 repetitions during the event. Additionally, Bryant took part in Cincinnati's pro day, further showcasing his athleticism to scouts. Scouting reports highlighted Bryant's physical length, strong ball skills, and proficiency in man-coverage as a , noting his ability to disrupt passes with good timing and hand usage. Analysts projected him as a mid-round selection, praising his athleticism and potential to develop into a reliable outside defender. The selected Bryant in the fourth round, 109th overall, of the on April 30. Following the draft, he signed a four-year contract worth $4.467 million, including an $807,804 , that runs through the 2025 season.

2022 season

Bryant entered the as a fourth-round pick and quickly adapted to a rotational role at for the during his 2022 season, while also contributing on special teams. He made his professional debut in Week 1 against the on September 12, appearing in just two defensive snaps. Initially seeing limited action behind veterans like Sidney Jones and , Bryant's role expanded as injuries and performance needs arose in the Seahawks' rebuilding secondary under head coach and defensive coordinator . Over the course of the 17-game season, Bryant appeared in all contests, earning six starts—his first coming in Week 4 against the , where he recorded six tackles and forced a fumble recovered by teammate . He amassed 70 combined tackles (52 solo), two sacks—including his second in Week 18 against the —and four passes defended, while logging 65% of the team's defensive snaps (756 total). Bryant's most notable contribution came as a disruptive force, tying for third in the with four forced fumbles, a mark that made him the first player since 2000 to achieve that feat in his initial six games. These plays underscored his instincts and physicality, helping stabilize a secondary that ranked 13th in pass defense amid the team's transitional year following key departures like .

2023 season

In his sophomore season, Coby Bryant saw an opportunity for an expanded role with the , transitioning into a more prominent position as the nickel cornerback following his rookie year where he primarily contributed on special teams and in rotational defense. Early in the year, he started two games and showed promise in the slot, participating in a higher percentage of defensive snaps during the initial weeks compared to his limited 2022 usage. However, a hampered his progress, sidelining him for multiple weeks and leading to his placement on injured reserve on October 14, 2023. Bryant appeared in nine games overall, logging 18 total tackles (14 solo) and one forced fumble, with no interceptions or passes defensed recorded. His defensive snap count totaled 146, equating to roughly 12% of the team's overall defensive plays, reflecting the injury's impact on his availability despite the intended increase in workload. The forced fumble occurred during a Week 1 matchup against the , highlighting his physical presence in run support and coverage when active. Despite the challenges, Bryant's contributions aligned with the Seahawks' secondary showing mixed results in pass defense compared to 2022. The team concluded the season with a 9-8 record, finishing third in the but missing the .

2024 season

In , Coby Bryant experienced a breakout season with the , transitioning from to amid injuries to other defensive backs, a move that began in earnest after the team's Week 10 bye. He started 11 games at the new position, showcasing improved range and ball skills while adapting to a more versatile role in the secondary. Bryant finished the year with 73 total tackles (48 solo), tying the team lead with three interceptions, six passes defensed, and one forced fumble across 17 games played. One of his interceptions came on a 69-yard pick-six against the in Week 12, sealing a 16-6 victory and earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance, which included nine tackles and the touchdown return. His contributions bolstered the Seahawks' defense during a season of playoff contention, as Seattle posted a 10-7 record but ultimately missed the postseason due to tiebreakers in the . Coaches and analysts praised Bryant's tackling efficiency—allowing just 69 yards after catch on completed passes targeted his way—and his seamless shift to , highlighting his physicality and football IQ as key to his emergence as a full-time starter.

2025 season

In the 2025 season, Coby Bryant solidified his role as a full-time starting for the , appearing in all nine games through Week 10 and starting each one while logging every defensive snap in multiple contests, including the full 75 snaps against the Houston Texans in Week 7. His performance has been instrumental in the Seahawks' league-leading defense, which ranks first in overall defensive efficiency as of November 2025. Through Week 10, Bryant has recorded 29 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles for 45 total stops, two interceptions, five passes defensed, and no forced fumbles, positioning him on pace to surpass his previous career highs in tackles and interceptions. Notable contributions include an eight-tackle outing (six solo) in the season-opening loss to the in Week 1 and another eight-tackle performance (seven solo) during the Week 5 defeat to the . He secured his first interception of the year in Week 2 against the , picking off a pass for 28 yards, followed by a second in Week 4 versus the for 15 yards, both aiding Seattle's victories. In Week 10, he contributed in a 44-22 win over the , helping the team to a 7-2 record. As Bryant enters the final year of his rookie contract, his mid-season form has sparked discussions of potential, with his two interceptions tying him for 13th in and his consistent coverage helping limit opponents' passing efficiency. This breakout campaign builds on his expanded role from the 2024 season, where he transitioned to a starting position.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Coby Bryant maintains a close-knit family support system rooted in , , where his parents, Ronnie and Tanisha Bryant, played a pivotal role in fostering his discipline and interest in football from a young age. Ronnie and Tanisha instilled a "humble but hungry" mentality in their children, emphasizing hard work, excellence, and resilience against mediocrity, which shaped Bryant's competitive drive and work ethic throughout his development. This family foundation in continues to provide emotional and motivational backing as Bryant pursues his career, with relatives often traveling to support him at key events. Bryant's relationship with his older brother, Christian Bryant, a former NFL safety who played for the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals, is particularly influential, marked by ongoing mentorship drawn from Christian's professional experience. Seven years Bryant's senior, Christian has offered tough love, constructive criticism, and weekly guidance on football techniques, mental preparation, and life decisions since Coby's childhood, helping him navigate challenges and maintain focus. This brotherly bond extends to family attendance at games and milestones, such as Christian flying from Cleveland to watch Coby's early Seahawks performances and the entire family, including Ronnie, joining for draft day celebrations in 2022. As of 2025, Bryant has not publicly shared details about a spouse or children, keeping such aspects of his personal life private. Instead, he frequently cites his family—particularly the enduring support from his parents and brother—as a primary motivation for his professional perseverance and on-field intensity.

Education and interests

Bryant earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the in 2021, completing his undergraduate degree in four years while balancing his athletic commitments. His strong , a core aspect of his personal philosophy, draws significant inspiration from his family, particularly his older brother Christian Bryant, a former Ohio State standout whose professional journey in the emphasized discipline and perseverance. In interviews, Bryant has highlighted how familial expectations shaped his relentless approach to self-improvement, often crediting these influences for his on- and off-field mindset. Off the field, Bryant maintains an active lifestyle during the offseason, focusing on recovery and conditioning to prepare for the rigors of professional football, including unwinding after the season before resuming structured training. He has also engaged in community initiatives through the , such as visiting Echo Glen Children's Center in October 2024 alongside teammates to support youth recreational programs. Additionally, as part of the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign in 2024, Bryant supported Footprints of Fight, an organization dedicated to cancer awareness and prevention. Bryant's name originates from his parents' admiration for , though they intentionally altered the spelling to "Coby" to give him a unique identity. He has embraced elements of Kobe's " Mentality" in his public persona, adopting the philosophy of intense focus and resilience, which he referenced during his college career and even changed his jersey number to 8 in 2021 as a tribute ahead of the .

References

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