Every week, I’ll feature a unique off-the-field side of an Arizona Cardinals player in a Q&A format. The topics will vary, but if you have an idea for a player, please suggest one to me on Twitter @joshweinfuss.
I talked with veteran defensive tackle Red Bryant this week about his colorful name. When was it given to him? Is it a nickname? Is it his birth name? All these questions came to mind when I thought about the possibilities of a parent naming their child "Red." So, I decided to ask Bryant.
Where did the name "Red" come from?
"My grandfather gave it to me. He said I was a red baby. My mom, she’s been calling me that since I was a baby and it’s just a nickname my grandfather gave to me."
So, what’s a red baby?
"My grandfather, unfortunately he’s gone, but I guess I just got a red tan. Really nothing special. He just said I was a red baby and my nickname has been "Red" since I was a baby."
Did your friends call you "Red"?
"Friends, teachers. Only, I had one teacher that called me by my birth name, Joseph. Her name was Sue Brooks. She was like a mother figure to me. She was the only person that called me by my (given) name, which is Joseph."
When you got in trouble, what did your mom call you?
"Red. It’s always been Red. I don’t believe I ever heard my mom call me Joseph. And if it ain’t baby, its Red."
Do you like the nickname?
"Yeah, I love it. That’s what I go by. If anyone asks me what my name is, I say 'Red Bryant.' I love Joseph, too, but I go by Red."
