EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – James Bradberry was raised in Alabama, where he attended Samford University of the Southern Conference. He played his first four NFL seasons in Charlotte, the USA's 22nd-largest metropolitan area.
This week, Bradberry, a lockdown cornerback, officially joined the Giants and he is eager to conquer the big city, on and off the field.
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman held the same position with Carolina when he selected Bradberry in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
"I know what type of organization Mr. Gettleman is trying to put together with the Giants, and I wanted to be a part of that," Bradberry told Giants.com today. "Talking to some of the players on the team, they had nothing but good things to say about it."
Those players included former Carolina teammates David Mayo and Rashaan Gaulden, and Chad Slade, an offseason workout partner in Birmingham.
Bradberry said the presence of Gettleman – who spoke to Bradberry's agent, not the player – was not a deal-maker but did provide some security.
"I don't feel like he was a big factor, who necessarily the G.M. was," he said. "But the fact that I knew him, I'm familiar with him, it kind of gave me a sense of comfort going over there."
Bradberry became the Giants' oldest and most experienced cornerback the instant he signed his contract. Though naturally quiet and reserved, he is perfectly comfortable being a leader for the team's young corners, including DeAndre Baker, Sam Beal and Corey Ballentine.
"That's what I'm here for," said Bradberry, who is currently training in Charlotte while all NFL training facilities remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. "That's why I'm here, they wanted to bring my knowledge in and that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to try to correct as many wrongs as I see.
"I feel like leadership can come in different forms. It doesn't always have to be a vocal leader. It can be a person that leads by his actions. I'm also a one-on-one kind of guy. When I go to coach them up, I don't try to call someone out or nothing like that. I'm more of a personable guy."
Bradberry started every game in which he played with the Panthers (60 regular season and one postseason). He missed just four games in four years and only one in the three seasons from 2017-19. His career totals include 268 tackles (229 solo), eight interceptions that he returned for 53 yards, 55 passes defensed, 3.0 sacks, seven tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
But those numbers provide only a limited view of Bradberry's skill and success. The NFC South is teeming with great receivers – Julio Jones in Atlanta, Michael Thomas in New Orleans, Mike Evans in Tampa Bay. The Panthers routinely assigned Bradberry to cover their opponents' best wideout.
"I thought Julio Jones was the best receiver, but all of those guys are elite," Bradberry said. "Michael Thomas, Mike Evans are not too far behind."
No one will completely shut down receivers of that caliber, but Bradberry challenged them on every play and forced them to work for each catch.
"It's an honor for coaches and employers to ask me to go against the top receivers," Bradberry said. "It just says that they have respect for my game and have the ultimate confidence in myself and my ability."
Bradberry said he tries to "devote at least an hour, hour and a half a day to watching film outside of the locker room during the season." The knowledge he gains from that study and his meticulous practice habits help Bradberry compete against those top receivers. So does an unshakeable confidence and responding to his coaches' directives.
"I try to keep my technique and fundamentals the same, no matter who I'm playing against," Bradberry said. "But as far as how I apply those fundamentals and techniques, it might change based upon the receiver."
Some of the NFL's most entertaining verbal sparring is the banter between wide receivers and defensive backs. But Bradberry and his marquee opponents largely refrain from such conversations.
"I might say something if he says something to me," he said. "But for the most part, in the past few years, we haven't done too much trash talking."
Bradberry's only experience in the New York/New Jersey area is from a brief stay here last year to do an interview. But he is excited to become a resident of this region.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "What they (the Giants) had to offer (is) endless opportunities off the field. It's a bigger city, there are a lot more opportunities. I really want to go to a basketball game at Madison Square Garden. I just want to go around and inhale the history of New York and everything that comes with it. The air, the food, the culture, all of it."
No one can be certain when that will be, but both sides will be pleased when it happens.
View photos of cornerback James Bradberry.
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) runs out for intros prior to a game against the Houston Texans on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Carolina won 27-17. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL football game, Sunday, November 25, 2018, in Charlotte, NC. Seattle won 30-27. (Paul Abell via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) intercepts a pass intended forTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) in the end zone late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The Panthers won 37-26. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) looks on prior to a play in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sep. 17th, 2016 in Charlotte,NC. The Carolina Panthers won 46-27. (Logan Bowles via AP Images)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) stands in pass coverage during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Panthers 38-6. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) in action on defense during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Panthers 38-6. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) looks on as he walks to the sideline after halftime during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Panthers 38-6. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) in action on defense during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Panthers 38-6. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry, right, breakas up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry, right, breakas up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) drops into coverage during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers defeated the Titans 30-20. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) sruggle during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Atlanta. The Falcons beat the Panthers 40-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019 in Charlotte, Nc. The Buccaneers won 20-14. (Paul Abell via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019 in Charlotte, Nc. The Buccaneers won 20-14. (Paul Abell via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) tries to run with the ball after making an interception during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Rams defeated the Panthers 30-27. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) celebrates with defensive back Tre Boston (33) after making an interception during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Rams defeated the Panthers 30-27. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 20-14. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL football regular season game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018 in New Orleans. The Panthers won, 33-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive back James Bradberry (24) waits between plays during an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots beat the Panthers 10-3. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) celebrates his interception during the second half of an NFL football game against te Los Angeles Rams in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Tre Boston (33) and cornerback James Bradberry (24) react following Bradberry's interception against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry's cleats are shown before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) in coverage during a week 10 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh won 52-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) rocks a pass away from Seattle Seahawks' Doug Baldwin (89) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24)drops into coverage in action against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday Oct. 28, 2018 in Charlotte, N.C. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) takes the field with an American flag during player introductions prior to an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Charlotte, N.C. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) is seen during an NFL preseason game against the New England Patriots, Friday, Aug. 24th, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) runs onto the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Charlotte, N.C.,Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) misses a catch as Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) carries an American flag as he is introduced before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry, right, and Carolina Panthers defensive back Da'Norris Searcy (21) tackle Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Charlotte, N.C. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) is introduced before the start of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) intercepts a pass intended for Green Bay Packers' Jordy Nelson (87) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) leaps and celebrates after the Panthers recover a late fourth quarter fumble that clinches the win during the 2017 NFL week 15 regular season football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won the game 31-24. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) deflects a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) drops into coverage during the game against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, Baltimore. The Ravens defeated the Panthers 22-19. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers (12) greets Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) after an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones, top, is tackled by Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry, bottom, in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016. The Falcons won 33-16. (AP photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) congratulates teammate James Bradberry (24) after Bradberry intercepted a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings' Stefon Diggs (14) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. The Panthers won 31-24. Carolina Panthers' Mike Adams (29) looks to recover the football. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) celebrates with middle linebacker A.J. Klein (56) after Bradberry intercepted a pass by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during player introductions prior to an NFL football game at Bank of America, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 in Charlotte, N.C. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field, Thursday, August 24, 2017 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Panthers defeated the Jaguars 24-23. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Geronimo Allison (81) catches a pass but fumbles the ball on a hit by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) late in the fourth quarter on a game winning play by the Panthers during the 2017 NFL week 15 regular season football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won the game 31-24. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) takes the field during introductions before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The Vikings won 22-10. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) is thrown down by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) during an NFL football game on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. Denver won 21-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandon Coleman (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL NFC wild-card playoff football game on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 in New Orleans. New Orleans won 31-26. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. (NFL Photos via AP)
Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) runs out for intros prior to a game against the Houston Texans on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Carolina won 27-17. (Logan Bowles via AP)
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