A Closer Look at Brandin Bryant's 'Can I Pet That Dog?' on Pbs Between the Covers
By Alexander Ross
Bryant’s road to children's publishing did not follow a conventional path. He first built his reputation in Boca Raton as a defensive anchor for Florida Atlantic University football between 2012 and 2015. Over his collegiate career, he racked up 13.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss, earning a reputation for lateral quickness and physical resilience.
That collegiate performance propelled him into the professional ranks. Between 2016 and 2021, Bryant navigated the relentless reality of professional football rosters, spending time with the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills, alongside a stint in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes. Roster cuts, practice squad reassignments, and sudden trades demand rapid mental recalibration. That adaptability later became his greatest asset off the field.
When professional athletics conclude, many players face an identity void. Bryant redirected his focus toward direct communication with the next generation. Rather than stepping into private coaching or traditional broadcast analysis, he looked at blank pages and recognized an opportunity to fill gaps on school bookshelves.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
