Bryant’s River City return feeling like a nice fit

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This article was published 30/06/2014 (4089 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THRILLED to get out, thrilled to be back.

Funny how pro football works sometimes. Five years ago, Romby Bryant was traded by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to the Calgary Stampeders, freeing him from the wild circus that was the 2009 season in River City.

Often portrayed as quiet and surly, Bryant was shipped by then-Bomber head coach Mike Kelly and reclaimed his career in the 2010 season by pulling in 15 touchdowns and finishing with 78 catches for 1,170 yards.

But there was Bryant all smiles and chatty on Sunday after officially becoming a Bomber again after being released by the Toronto Argonauts last week.

“It feels good to be playing again and have the opportunity to prove I can still play,” said Bryant, now 34. “I was surprised to be cut. I wasn’t even thinking about getting cut, I thought Toronto was my home.

“I was very excited. I know a lot of people here in the city, I know a family here that took care of me when I was here before and I know about three guys on the team that were with me back here in ’08 and ’09.”

A two-time 1,000-yard receiver, Bryant brings some veteran depth to a receiving corps that will likely start Clarence Denmark, Aaron Kelly, Nick Moore, Rory Kohlert and Julian Feoli-Gudino this Thursday against the Ottawa Redblacks.

“I’m a vet, I’m always ready and speed… I can still run even though I’m 80 years old,” said Bryant when asked what skill set he brings to the team. “I don’t feel 80, I look and feel young… until I take off my hat and you see my hairline.”

Added Bryant when asked if he was a different player upon his return:

“I’m a lot more mature and a lot more talkative, as you guys probably can tell. It’s nice to be back. I’m somewhat familiar with Winnipeg. It’s a good transition rather than going to a brand-new team.

“It was real rough (to be traded in 2009). It’s good to be back. It’s a little bit more organized… I don’t want to say too much bad things about ’09. I’m happy to be back.”

BE BACK SOON: Bombers defensive tackle Bryant Turner, Jr. has returned home to be with his wife for the birth of their daughter but is expected back for Thursday’s game.

Also sitting out Sunday’s practice were DT Zach Anderson and C Steve Morley, although both are expected to play against Ottawa.

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @WFPEdTait