Bryant arrived earlier with his 120-pound dog, a Cane Corso named Chief, who has been his loyal companion throughout the day.

“Testing… testing!” Trystanne calls out.

“I need you to sit down for me, sir,” Bryant comically says to Chief.

“Good boy, Chief. Are we ready?” Trystanne asks.

“Let’s get it, let’s do this,” Bryant replies.

“Alright!”

“Hello, my friend,” Bryant greets warmly.

“Hello, friend. Let’s get right to it. What made you fall in love with football?” Trystanne inquires.

Bryant smiles, reminiscing.

Austin Bryant’s love for football was sparked by his older cousin, Charlie, who played at Thomas County Central High School in Georgia. “Every Friday, my uncle would pick me up and take me to the games,” he recalls. “Afterward, I’d be on the field with the other kids, throwing the ball around, running, and putting on my cousin’s shoulder pads and helmet. I was just being a kid, completely captivated by the game.” These early experiences left a lasting impression on Bryant, igniting a passion that would shape his future. “I had no idea then what football would do for me, where it would take me, or the incredible experiences it would bring,” he reflects. “It has been a tremendous blessing and an excellent vehicle for me to pursue my goals in life.”

A 26-year-old native of Pavo, Georgia, Bryant attended Clemson University, where he played for four years and contributed to the Tigers’ two National Championships. His college career was a precursor to the challenges and triumphs he would face in the NFL.

From a young age, Austin was marked by a distinctive height, a towering presence even at the tender age of seven—which made him a natural on the soccer fields, where he first found his love for sports. However, it was the American version of football that captured his heart, thanks largely to family influences and the magnetic pull of Friday night lights at his local high school games.

Fast forward to April 2019, a pivotal moment etched in the annals of his life—NFL Draft day. Surrounded by family and friends, the tension palpable in the room, Austin awaited the call that would catapult him from collegiate acclaim at Clemson University to professional stardom. “It was everything,” Bryant recalls, the memory vivid with emotion. The Detroit Lions drafted him, setting the stage for a new chapter in his life, one filled with promise and the inevitable challenges of professional sports.

Bryant, standing at 6′5″ and 250 pounds, was drafted 117th by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his four-year NFL career with the Lions and later the San Francisco 49ers, he appeared in 35 games, starting in 6, and registered 66 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 1 pass defensed.

Yet, life in the NFL is as unpredictable as the outcomes of the games themselves. After four years with Detroit, Bryant faced the stark realities of professional sports—a career path fraught with unexpected turns. His tenure with the Lions, marked by both achievements and setbacks, ended, leading him to a new opportunity with the San Francisco 49ers. Here, he experienced the ebb and flow of athletic fortune, from competing in camps to facing stints on the practice squad, each moment a lesson in perseverance.

“The highs and lows,” Bryant muses, reflecting on his recent seasons, “they teach you a lot about resilience. You learn that it’s not just about how you handle success but how you manage the trials and tribulations that come with it.” His NFL journey has been marked by notable stats but also by the unpredictable nature of professional sports. In 2023, after pre-season camp training, Bryant remained on the practice squad with the 49ers. He was released on the first day of the season, only to be called back a few hours later, and appeared in two games before being released again and later signed to the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad.

This poignant turn in his journey happened in November 2023, during his birthday week, following a victorious game against Jacksonville. Amid celebrations, he received the dreaded news of being released—a stark reminder of the business behind the sport. Yet, this setback was merely the setup for a comeback, as he was soon picked up by the Vikings. In a twist of fate, he was called back by the 49ers after his season with Minnesota ended, returning to the San Francisco team just days before they clinched a spot in the NFL Playoffs against the Green Bay Packers. The 49ers secured their place in the Superbowl after a tantalizing win against his former team, the Detroit Lions, setting up a showdown with the Kansas City (Ironically) Chiefs in the final.

The experience of going to the Super Bowl and coming so close to what so many dream of their entire careers, only to lose it at the very last throw of the game, was heart-wrenching for Bryant, his teammates, coaches, and the Faithful Niners fans. The sting of that loss, felt so deeply, became a powerful motivator. Bryant describes it as a moment of profound heartbreak, yet also a catalyst for growth and determination. “Losing that game in such a dramatic fashion was devastating,” he says, “but it fueled a fire in all of us to come back stronger.”

Reflecting on the mental aspects of professional sports, Bryant spoke candidly about the importance of mental health and managing the pressures that come with being in the public eye. “The highs and lows are intense. Taking a break from social media and focusing on my mental well-being has always been crucial,” he explained. This approach works with his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, helping him maintain his equilibrium and come to grips with the realities of sports. He believes his faith is the key to continuing to perform at high levels in life, on the field, and wherever the 2024/2025 NFL season takes him.

Bryant’s insights into the dynamics of professional sports extend to the practical aspects of his daily routine during the season. Describing a typical day, he shared, “It starts early with a gratitude journal and some quiet time to focus. The rest of the day is structured around training, meetings, and recovery.” This disciplined schedule underscores the rigorous demands placed on professional athletes, which Bryant handles with a deeply motivating level of seriousness and dedication.

Now that the San Francisco 49ers have signed him for another season, Bryant is more focused than ever. The team, with its special roster of driven individuals, is poised to return stronger and more victorious. “We’ve learned so much from last season. The bond we share and the lessons we’ve taken to heart will propel us forward. I have no doubt we’ll be back, and this time, we’re aiming to finish what we started,” Bryant asserts with a determined smile.

Throughout his career, Austin Bryant’s passion for fashion has flourished alongside his athletic endeavors. His keen interest in the intersection of athletics and personal style was highlighted during a chance meeting in Silicon Valley with Trystanne Cunningham, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of TrooRa Magazine. This interaction showcased his multifaceted persona, revealing the strategic thinking he applies both on and off the field. When Cunningham mentioned a special sports issue in the 2024 editorial calendar, Bryant expressed interest. Trystanne, an avid 49ers fan, enthusiastically included him, confidently predicting the 49ers’ Super Bowl run—a prediction that became reality.

During the photoshoot for the magazine’s cover feature, Bryant’s distinct admiration for fashion was evident. He chose to wear pieces from Designer Desyree Nicole, a friend whom he had met during his playing days in Detroit and the founder of the clothing line and brand TODD PATRICK. Bryant’s selective style and keen eye for fashion underscored his unique personal taste and highlighted his ability to blend athleticism with sophisticated aesthetics. This venture into fashion shows the depth of his interests and his knack for excelling in diverse fields.

Beyond fashion, Bryant’s commitment to community involvement truly shines. He actively participates in charity events, often focusing on programs that support communities similar to those from his own Georgia upbringing. His dedication to giving back is evident in his work with initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and young people to reach their full potential, both academically and physically. This July, Austin Bryant will host his second youth football camp in Thomasville, Georgia. The camp is designed for kids aged six to seventeen, and its participants engage in drills, receive coaching, and are provided with meals. Bryant also brings in influential friends, fellow athletes, and teammates to speak and share words of wisdom when possible. In its first year (2023), the AB Youth Football camp welcomed 200 kids, showcasing his true commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes.

Bryant’s interests extend beyond philanthropy and fashion; he is also keen on investing in businesses and exploring entrepreneurial ventures. One of his aspirations is to create a men’s clothing line featuring unconventional designs that reflect his unique sense of style and his vision for blending athleticism with high fashion. This ambition underscores his multifaceted personality and his drive to make an impact both on and off the field.

As our conversation wrapped up, Bryant expressed a deep appreciation for the experiences and lessons from his career, emphasizing resilience and mental fortitude. “Being in the NFL teaches you about more than just football. It’s about life, handling ups and downs, and staying focused on your goals.” Beyond football, Bryant’s faith plays a crucial role in his life. He consistently finds strength and guidance through his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he credits as the foundation of everything he attempts in life.

Looking to the future, Bryant remains optimistic and driven, hoping to leave a lasting mark on the sport he loves. “No matter what happens on the field, I aim to inspire others through my journey and, eventually, beyond football,” he concluded, looking forward to the future with determination and a clear vision of his goals.

Austin Bryant’s narrative is more than a sports story; it’s a profound exploration of the human spirit, a continuous quest for personal and professional fulfillment. Whether on the gridiron or in life’s quieter, more introspective moments, his story remains a compelling saga of pursuing dreams against all odds. As he moves forward, the sports world, his fans, and myself—as a friend and a fan—will be watching, eager to see the next chapter in the remarkable life of the extremely special human being with a colossal heart of gold, Austin Bryant.