PATRIOTS 2025 SEVENTH-ROUND DRAFT PICK MARCUS BRYANT
PRESS CONFERENCE
April 26, 2025
Q: First thing, actually, nothing to do with football, but I saw you were in a couple commercials down at Mizzou. Is there acting in your future, while you're playing football? And twofold, what's it like just navigating the NIL lifestyle in college these days?
MB: Oh, yeah. I got a commercial deal in Missouri. I got it from a connection from where I transferred from SMU. It was a really good deal. We had fun during the commercial. I have a history of trying to become an actor. I've actually been working on that since I was a little kid. I don't know what the future holds with acting and stuff. If the opportunity comes, then I'll be ready for that.
Q: Congratulations, Marcus. What was it like when you got the phone call?
MB: Man, it was like a dream come true. I didn't think it was real. I was just in my living room, watching the draft, preparing for the future and boom, they called me, and it was a surreal moment. It was crazy.
Q: Did you have any contact with them prior to?
MB: Yes, sir. I had 30-visits with them and met with them before the Pro Day as well.
Q: Hey Marcus. Welcome to New England I was curious if you had any thoughts about the Patriots when you were growing up as a kid? Did you root for them? Were you a fan of Tom Brady? Were you a fan of New England? How was that watching them?
MB: Yeah, you've got to love the Patriots. Just growing up, watching them, and watching the culture of the team just grow as the years go. I think it was a hell of a choice to go over there, just knowing what the culture was growing up. I'm excited.
Q: Hey Marcus. I heard you mention that you visited the Patriots before the draft, and I'm wondering how you would describe their interest in you, compared to any of the other teams in the league?
MB: Yeah, they showed me interest first. Out of all the teams, they showed me the most interest during the Pro Day. I met with the scout, and he just kept showing me comfort during the Pro Day and stuff like that. I had a good feel for them. Then they brought me up for a 30-visit. Going up there, meeting with all the coaches and going through the plays, I think it was a good deal for me and them.
Q: Did you have any other 30-visits with any other teams?
MB: Yes, sir. I went to the Ravens, and I also went to the Dolphins.
Q: What was your reaction to getting drafted, and did you think it was going to happen?
MB: Man, I'm going to be honest. I didn't think it was going to happen at first. They really wanted me. They took the chance on me, and I owe it all to them.
Q: I know you transferred to Missouri last year, so you played last year with Armand Membou. I just wanted to know, what was it like playing with him and sharing the room with him? Did you pick up any pointers along the way?
MB: Yeah, me and Armand, we're really good friends. Armand is pretty good on the O-line, and our bond is a little bit closer because we're tackles. We understand each other from that aspect. I think we mesh together as a group really well. Armand is one of the funniest dudes in the room.
Q: In terms of specific on-field skill set stuff, was there anything you picked up from him?
MB: Yeah, we bounce off each other, just with tips and stuff about pass pro and run blocking and stuff like that. It really helped me elevate my game.
Q: For fans who might not be familiar with your game, how would you describe that, and what can you bring to the Patriots?
MB: Man, I'm going to give them my all, you know what I'm saying? Every single time I'm on the field, I'm going to give them everything I got. I'm going to protect. I'm going to run block. I'm going to do whatever it takes. I'm going to do my job and come out on top every time.
