Former Aggie Brindley still chasing NFL dream
Even after they leave the realm of USU athletics, many alumni athletes still very much represent the University. James Brindley, a USU football player who graduated last spring, has taken that responsibility by the horns in his ongoing fight for a spot in the National Football League (NFL).
Brindley, who graduated high school in Grass Valley, Calif., is an impressive football player. He ranked ninth in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and 91st in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in tackles with 7.8 per game in 2009, even though he missed two complete games and portions of two others with a leg injury. Brindley also ranked third among the league’s defensive backs in tackles and held that same ranking overall in passes defended with nine, in addition to recording six pass break-ups and three interceptions.
His list of accomplishments in Aggie Blue stretches back three additional years. Brindley finished his time as an Aggie with 259 tackles under his belt, including eight tackles for a loss, nine career interceptions, 12 pass break-ups, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. The former All-WAC standout played in 46 career games, and made 31 career starts. Although he says he “could have walked on to any team in the WAC” after high school, Brindley said, “If I could do it over again, I still would come to Utah State.”
With those kinds of career numbers, it was no surprise that NFL scouts wanted to take a look at Brindley. After his senior football season, he began training multiple times daily for the draft. While he went undrafted, we was picked up by the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent after some 10 other teams showed interest. Unfortunately, he was cut by the Seahawks prior to the season – a “huge blow” to his dreams of playing professionally.
So what is he doing now?
“I honestly don’t have a lot to do. I am working with North Eastern Services, helping with disabled kids, and training,” Brindley said.
He still trains every day, sometimes multiple times a day, to stay in peak shape.
“That’s really my main focus right now, there is not a lot else in my life,” he said. He is staying upbeat about his chances of latching onto an NFL team.
“I know it will happen for me,” he said. “I really do.”
James and his twin brother have been playing sports since they were little, and both excelled in more than one area.
“This is where a lot of my competitive nature comes from,” Brindley said. “I was always competing with my brother, with sports or getting the best grades.”
Naturally, James always dreamed of growing up and playing in the NFL someday.
“You always want to grow up and play pro, but then you get to high school and realize that’s probably not a reality. When I got drafted into a division-one school, though, I started to see that dream again,” he said.
James, who has always dealt with issues about his size, draws motivation from breaking the stereotype that he’s too small to play big-time football.
“You really can do anything you set your mind to. I try to apply that in everything I can do,” Brindley said.
His positive attitude is the reason he has made it this far in the first place, he said.
In fact, his scholarship offer to Utah State was a turning point that Brindley recognizes in his life, resulting in his “can do” attitude.
“It was then that I knew I could really do something with football, and I really dedicated myself to it,” he said.
The road has not been without effort, though. Brindley admits that the limbo-stage he has been experiencing has been really hard for him.
“It’s awful, and I just want to get on with life,” he said. “My dream is almost in reach. It’s like I can see it, but I’m just not there yet.”
His ambition is far from curbed, however. He remains determined to keep his dream of the NFL alive. “I have a lot of friends who have been waiting for five years,” he said. “But I don’t think that’s going to happen to me.”
Brindley said his family is supportive of his goals.
“They would be happy if I gave it up, but they stand behind me in whatever I want to do,” he said.
James said his father, when he hears of an injury in the NFL, will immediately call James and tell him to contact his agent.
“My dad is stays updated on injuries, and that’s what I’m really waiting for right now. That’s my chance,” he said.
Above all, it’s Brindley resiliency which keeps him looking forward in pursuit of his dream.
“I am just looking forward to the time that I can just get out there on the field and play.”
– kayla.clark@aggiemail.usu