Massachusetts Pirates land former NFL star
The Massachusetts Pirates have signed former NFL wide receiver Martavis Bryant for the 2021 season. Bryant played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2014-2017.
Bryant recorded 147 receptions, 2,423 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns in 40 career games with the Steelers (including the playoffs).
Bryant spoke with masspiratesfootball.com and is thrilled to play with the Pirates this season.
“I’m excited to get into pads again and grateful to the Mass. Pirates for giving me this opportunity, and allowing me to come in and represent their organization in preparation of the CFL season. I look forward to contributing anyway I can. Big things are in store for the Pirates this year! I know a few of the players on the roster and am looking forward to stepping on the field with them.”
Pirates founder, president and general manager Jawad Yatim believes Bryant will not only make plays himself but also create opportunities for his teammates.
“It’s no secret as to what he is capable of on the football field. He’s a playmaker and can beat coverage in multiple ways, creating separation with his speed or exploiting defenders with his size and leaping ability. Special open field vision and anticipation after the catch, also very effective in the red zone. We believe he’ll be able to create opportunities and space for the rest of the offense. Martavis, the person seems like a great guy and I feel like we are adding a humble presence to our locker room, and when you have someone who’s as accomplished as he is, yet humble like that it can impact your organization in a positive manner. I’m really looking forward to having him up here and contributing to the organization.”
With the addition of Bryant and others this off-season, Yatim is hoping to shed light on the true value of his product and believes the surrounding competition in New England only motivates the Pirates to put their best product on the field.
“In regards to our roster and what the Massachusetts Pirates trot out on Gameday, from purely a talent and entertainment perspective, I would put us up there with any professional sports organization outside of the Big Four in New England. Given the nature and popularity of the game of Football in our country and the lack of opportunity outside the NFL, there’s certainly a healthy pool of players to pick from and we do our best to give our fans something to get excited about each and every gameday. Being surrounded by an influx of extremely well run professional sports organizations, it creates a very healthy competitive atmosphere amongst all of us, which in turn makes everyone better. We are thrilled to be a part of it, and happy to be just one of many great athletic entertainment options for the people in our community.”
Bryant (6’4”, 210 lbs) also played in the NFL in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders. He appeared in 8 games for Oakland and had 19 catches for 266 receiving yards. He was originally drafted by Pittsburgh in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Clemson University.
A native of Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, Bryant suited up for the Clemson Tigers for three seasons (2011-2013). In 37 college games, he hauled in 61 catches, 1,354 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. Bryant finished his Tigers career as the school’s all-time leader in yards per reception (22.2), while also winning two bowl games in the purple and orange.
Bryant and the rest of the Pirates will begin training camp next week as they begin preparation for their first season in the IFL, and more specifically a trip down to the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville for opening night on April 24th against the Xtreme.
The Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA. 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508) 452-MASS (6277), email [email protected] or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com. Single-game tickets will be available soon at ticketmaster.com or the DCU Center Box Office. For season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277). Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates. #GetHooked #AllAboard
