Domingo Bryant facts for kids

Domingo Garcia Bryant (born December 8, 1963) is a former American football player. He played as a safety for two seasons with the Houston Oilers in the National Football League (NFL). The NFL is the biggest professional American football league. Domingo was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1986 NFL draft after playing college football at Texas A&M University. He also played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Pittsburgh Gladiators.

Early Life and High School

Domingo Garcia Bryant was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, on December 8, 1963. He went to Garrison High School in Garrison, Texas. After high school, he worked in a flower shop during the summer.

College Football Career

Domingo Bryant played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies from 1982 to 1985. He was a "letterman" for four years, which means he played well enough to earn a special award each year. He was the first freshman defensive back to start for the Aggies since 1972.

In 1982, he caught two interceptions and was named to the second-team All-Southwest Conference (SWC). An interception happens when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player. In 1983, he had one interception. In 1984, he caught two interceptions and ran them back for a total of 47 yards, scoring one touchdown.

As a senior in 1985, Bryant had four interceptions, running them back for 95 yards and two touchdowns. His interception return yards were the most in the SWC that season. His two interception return touchdowns were tied for the most in the SWC.

Playing in the NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked Domingo Bryant in the sixth round of the 1986 NFL draft. He was the 148th player chosen overall. He officially signed with the team on July 10, 1986. However, the Steelers decided to let him go on September 4, 1986.

Houston Oilers

Bryant signed a contract with the Houston Oilers on November 13, 1986. He was let go again on September 1, 1987. But he re-signed with the Oilers on September 23, 1987, during a player strike. He stayed with the team after the strike ended.

During the 1987 season, he played in 13 games and started three of them. He caught four interceptions and recovered one fumble. A fumble recovery is when a player picks up a ball that an opponent dropped. Bryant also played in two playoff games that year.

He played in the first seven games of the 1988 season and made one interception. The Oilers then let him go on October 17, 1988.

New York Jets

The New York Jets picked up Bryant from waivers on October 18, 1988. This means they claimed his contract after the Oilers released him. However, he was let go by the Jets on October 24, 1988, without playing in any games for them.

Return to the Houston Oilers

Bryant re-signed with the Oilers on November 3, 1988. He played in seven more games for them in 1988. He caught two more interceptions, running them back for 56 yards and scoring a touchdown. He also played in two more playoff games that year. The Oilers let him go again on September 4, 1989.

Arena Football League

In 1990, Domingo Bryant played in seven games for the Pittsburgh Gladiators in the Arena Football League (AFL). In the AFL, games are played indoors on a smaller field. He made 25 solo tackles and 15 assisted tackles. He also forced two fumbles, broke up seven passes, and caught one interception. He returned that interception 23 yards for a touchdown.