Gary Brightwell Jr. (born February 28, 1999) is an American football running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arizona.
Early years
Gary graduated in 2017 from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. His senior season he served as team captain and was First-team all-conference and first-team All-State MIAA. He averaged 6.7 yards per carry as a senior rushing for 519 yards and eight touchdowns on 78 carries.
College career
In his time at Arizona, Brightwell rushed for over 1,300 yards and had nine rushing touchdowns.
Professional career
2021
Brightwell was drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round, 196th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 13, 2021, Brightwell officially signed with the Giants. On December 30, 2021, Brightwell was placed on Injured reserve after suffering a neck injury.
2022
Brightwell had his first career rushing touchdown in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers in the 27–22 victory. In the 2022 season, Brightwell appeared in all 17 games. He totaled 31 carries for 141 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
2023
Brightwell entered the 2023 season third on the running back depth chart. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 and was placed on injured reserve on October 28, 2023.
Personal life
Brightwell's father was murdered at a gas station when Brightwell was five months old, his older sister was killed in a car crash when he was a senior in high school and his grandmother who taught him how to play football died just weeks before the NFL draft.