Following the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft, we spoke with former Syracuse football player, Jay Bromley. We talked NFL Draft, Syracuse, and more!
For the second time in three years, we saw no Syracuse football players taken in the 2017 NFL Draft. While disappointing for sure, it was a relief to see both Amba Etta-Tawo and Brisly Estime get picked up after the fact.
Although that wasn’t the case in the 2014 NFL Draft. Former Orange star, Jay Bromley, was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round (74th overall). Since being drafted he has made his glory by being a pass rushing, penetrating, defensive force.
We decided to catch up with Jay to hear how he’s doing, what he thinks about Dino Babers, and to re-live his NFL Draft journey. We interviewed Jay over the course of the NFL Draft weekend.
Bromley was most recently back at the Carrier Dome for the “Spring Showcase” signing autographs with fellow Orange Alum, Shamarko Thomas. Lets get into our interview, hope you enjoy!
#DraftDay
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
The NFL Draft is this week, tell us about your draft experience. Who called you on draft day? What was the conversation like? How can you describe it in detail how you felt?
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Jay Bromley (@JayBrom96):
"Well first off, if my memory serves correctly it was coach (Tom) Coughlin and I was super shocked. At first I thought it was a joke. It was a really brief conversation, first with him then Mr. (Jerry) Reese and it was all positive. The feeling was nothing like I’ve ever come across. The thing I remember most about the conversation was Coach Coughlin thinking I was still 285 pounds."
The Transition To The Pros…
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
After getting your dream realized and getting drafted, you had to quickly change your mindset to get ready for the pro game. So Jay, how was the transition from college to the pros?
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Jay Bromley (@JayBrom96):
"It wasn’t easy, I’m going to be honest. Adjusting to the pro game where the players are faster and stronger than college, so a huge competition increase. The speed of the game is faster, it’s hard to explain. But the biggest thing (literally and figuratively) is the playbook in the NFL, that thing is massive. A lot to learn."
Advice To Rookies?
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Now that you’ve been in the league a few years and are considered somewhat of a veteran, do you or have you taken any rookies under your wing? What’s your advice to them? Is there something you learned early on that you share with other young players to not make same mistakes or to help them?
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Jay Bromley (@JayBrom96):
"Really I try to relay all postings/messages to rookies and younger guys by helping them with their techniques. I really try to encourage them and push them to be better every single day. It’s easy to get complacent. I’m just doing the same thing vets did for me and I tell them to stay humble and hungry. My best advice is I tell them to work as if they’ve been cut before, even if they haven’t."
Rapid Fire!
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Alright Jay, time to mix it up. I’m going to shoot a couple quickies at you and I want you to answer from the hip. Here we go, when you got that first NFL paycheck, what did you buy?
Jay Bromley (@JayBrom96):
"A 2015 Escalade."
Next: Syracuse Football Recruiting Sitdown: Kingsley Jonathan
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
How often have you been back to SU since you left? What do you think of Dino Babers?
Jay Bromley (@JayBrom96):
"I’ve been back probably two times. To be honest, I’m not sure what to think as of yet it’s too early. But from all accounts he seems like a good guy and is focused on winning."
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Now that you’re in the NFL, do you have any more short term or long term goals that you set for yourself either before the season or when you got to the NFL?
Jay Bromley (@JayBrom96):
"My short term goal is always and has always been to start on this defense. While long term I want to play as long as the good lord will let me."
Rapid Fire, Again!
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Alright Jay, lets finish off this interview with some more rapid fire questions. The 2017 NFL Draft has come to an end, how do you think your boys did?
Jay Bromley (@JayBrom96):
"I feel great. We added some great pieces to help the push towards next season."
Next: Syracuse Football Recruiting Sitdown: Nykeim Johnson
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have other passions outside football? Traveling, coaching etc?
Jay Bromley (@JayBrom96):
"I’m a simple guy I just like to enjoy my days with family and friends. I’m looking forward to my son being born too!"
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
If you could pick one word to describe this upcoming season for you what would that be?
Jay Bromley (@JayBrom96):
"In one word I would say this upcoming season is “everything”."